Work has started on our £30m project to upgrade insulation and deliver low carbon heating in 1,500 of our homes, which currently have low energy ratings.  

The project will see us retrofitting (upgrading or installing) equipment such as photovoltaic (solar) systems, low carbon heating, cavity and loft insulation, windows, doors and ventilation in 1,500 homes over the next three years. 

This will help us to achieve the government’s Warm Homes Plan which states that, by 2030, all of our properties will have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of SAP* C or above.   

The work is possible thanks to our bid, supported by Peabody, to the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3. This government funding provided £15.5m to spend on our homes, which we’ve matched with a further £14m.  

Barry Jenkinson, Asset Manager at Town & Country Housing, is leading the project. He said that all 1,500 eligible properties have been identified, with 100 homes targeted for work this financial year and a further 700 in both years two and three.  

“This is an enormously important project for Town & Country Housing, so after months of planning we’re really excited to start the retrofit process.  

“These changes will make a real difference to our residents’ lives – homes will be easier and more efficient to heat and will have better ventilation. As well as seeing a reduction in their heating costs, residents should find their homes more comfortable to live in thanks to reduced heat loss.”  

Consultancy firm Baily Garner has been appointed as the retrofit assessor and designer. They will be assessing homes to determine exactly what improvements are needed for individual homes and designing the package of works. 

Bradley Webster, Managing Partner at Baily Garner, said they were proud to be supporting as retrofit consultants.  

“Our role is to ensure that every measure is designed and delivered in a way that’s technically robust, coordinated, and tailored to each home,” he explained.  

“This isn’t just about carbon reduction – It’s about creating warmer, healthier living environments for residents, and setting a benchmark for what thoughtful, scalable retrofit can achieve.” 

Sureserve Energy Services South West Ltd has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the installation programme. 

Craig Hansell, Managing Director, said the company will be ensuring that all retrofit measures work together effectively to maximise carbon savings and minimise heat loss, achieving the best performance for each home. 

“Residents are at the heart of the Warm Homes scheme, with a show home and our dedicated Tenant Liaison Officer who will support residents throughout the process,” he added.  

“It’s an exciting project that brings real change to the community by decarbonising homes and improving comfort, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.” 

* Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP Rating refers to a fundamental metric in the United Kingdom used to evaluate and compare the energy efficiency of buildings.)