Brum tenants in the upgraded homes can expect to start saving up to £600-£1200 each year on energy bills, depending on the home and improvements made.

The work carried out has included bespoke combinations of external wall insulation, new windows and doors, loft insulation, solar panels, high heat retention storage heaters and smart hot water tanks.

The savings will make a huge difference as ahead of fuel poverty awareness day on the 26 November, National Energy Action have said that energy bills remain nearly £500 higher a year than before the energy crisis began.

Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said:

“We know how important it is for our residents to feel warm and secure in their homes, especially during the colder months.

“This investment has been about tackling fuel poverty, reducing energy bills, and improving quality of life for thousands of Birmingham families. These savings will be crucial for several families this this winter during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“By making homes more energy-efficient, we’re helping tenants save hundreds of pounds each year, which will be crucial for many families this winter as the energy crisis continues. The investment also saves several tonnes of carbon, contributing to a greener, more sustainable city.”

Julie Cobbett, resident of Bradfield House said:

“Before these works were done, putting the heating on wouldn’t make much difference as the heat would be lost through the windows.

“The new windows mean the heat stays in, and I have not needed to put the heating on – but when I do, I can feel the difference.

Leanne Fleetwood, resident of Bradfield House said:

“I have had issues with damp in my flat, but since the work has been done, it’s not come back at all.

“You used to touch the walls and they were freezing but now it’s absolutely fine. It’s been a lot better.”

Bradfield House, before the works had begun.

Testing has shown that the upgraded homes now have an Energy Performance Certificate of at least Band C, with some reaching Band A—the most energy-efficient rating available.

It is estimated that the scheme will save 2,500 tonnes of carbon per year – the equivalent of driving over 1400 petrol cars for a year.

The £111m retrofit scheme has been completed in partnership with sustainable regeneration specialist Equans. Together with Birmingham City Council, Equans worked to identify homes in Birmingham with the highest social need and low energy efficiency ratings. To minimise disruption, the energy efficiency upgrades were carried out alongside other improvements.

The end result has been a comprehensive set of improvements that have left residents with new kitchens and bathrooms in addition to a warmer home.

A grant of £24m, was secured from Wave 2.1 of the Government's Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund – which was renamed to the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund in 2024. The grant was the largest single-council allocation for the fund’s 2.1 Wave.

Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, added:

“This scheme is a great example of how government grant funding can be used to facilitate necessary work to make homes warmer and use less carbon.

"It is also great to see how the work has transformed the look and feel of neighbourhoods, building a greater sense of pride among residents.

"I would also like to thank our delivery partner, Equans, who have been vital in making sure that this work has benefitted those who needed it most.”

Steve Batty, Director of Sustainability at Equans, said:

“This scheme is one of the most ambitious the UK has seen to date, providing a bold example of how a large number of existing homes can be made fit for the future in a relatively short space of time.

“The impact of the project has been truly transformational, uplifting the appearance of communities across Birmingham and helping to reduce the risk of fuel poverty for thousands of residents, whilst the carbon reductions achieved mean that people in the city have a healthier future ahead.”