Funding boost to make borough’s social housing greener

Published: Thursday, 20 March 2025

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC) is making its social housing warmer and greener after securing £580,000 of government funding.

OWBC has teamed up with Broad Oak Properties to deliver the improvements, including the installation of solar panels and loft and cavity wall insulation, to council-owned sheltered bungalows which will help to keep tenants warm while reducing their energy bills and consumption.

Improvements have also been made to reduce the risk of damp and mould in properties, further increasing their efficiency and improving the quality of tenants’ homes.

Works have already been completed on 72 properties since February 2024, with more currently undergoing surveys to assess their suitability.

Almost all works completed so far have brought homes up to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) A standard.

The funding is from the government’s £3.8bn Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), and has been matched by OWBC.

The SHDF is just one of the actions being delivered by OWBC’s new Climate Change Strategy, launched in summer 2024. The strategy provides a longer term road map for tackling climate change both internally and in the wider borough, and working towards net zero.

Wigston resident Jim Welby said: “I’m really pleased with my new solar panels, and I couldn’t have asked for a better installation or higher quality work.

“The panels were installed in September and I’m already saving money – this month I didn’t have to top up my electricity at all.

“Given I’ve noticed such a difference over the winter, I’m really looking forward to the summer to see the panels at their full potential – I would definitely recommend anyone who is offered this opportunity to take it!”

Cllr Bill Boulter said: “By focusing our funding on our sheltered bungalows it is some of our most vulnerable tenants who will benefit now and into the future.

“Improved energy efficiency means that tenants can spend less on their heating bills while being warmer and more comfortable in their own homes.

“There is also the significant environmental impact of reduction in carbon emissions as we upgrade inefficient systems, helping to make our borough greener and keeping the council on track for our net-zero target.”

“I would also like to thank Broad Oak Properties for the £1,800 donation they have made to OWBC, which is to be used for community projects.”

Jordan Harrison, Commercial Director at Broad Oak Properties, Said: “Together with OWBC we have achieved remarkable results, reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy consumption for the benefit of both residents and the wider community.

“Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration and expanding our efforts in the realm of decarbonisation. By working together, we can further enhance the quality of housing, contribute to a greener future, and make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and the planet.

“At Broad Oak Group, we firmly believe in the power of collective action and the importance of sustainable solutions. The social housing decarbonisation scheme exemplifies our commitment to creating a more resilient and energy-efficient society, and we are proud to be part of this transformative initiative."

Photo L-R: Jordan Harrison from Broad Oak, OWBC Officer Baljit Rakkar, tenant Jim Welby and OWBC Councillor Bill Boulter.