More than 50 of North West Leicestershire's least energy efficient council homes will get a revamp thanks to £700,000 of funding.

North West Leicestershire District Council's successful bid to the Government's Green Homes scheme has secured £264,000 to improve the energy efficiency of homes of low-income households.

The funding, which is being more than matched by the council's own investment of £437,000, will also help reduce fuel poverty, phase out high carbon fossil fuel heating, and delivering progress towards the UK's commitment to net zero by 2050.

The council also has its own ambition to be carbon neutral as an organisation by 2030, paving the way to having a Zero Carbon district by 2050.

The funding will allow 56 council homes to reach a minimum energy efficiency EPC rating of C, through the installation of insulation, Air Source Heat Pump heating systems and solar panels.

All these homes currently have an EPC rating of E or F and are therefore the worst performing among the council's stock of homes.

Work is likely to begin in April with the upgrade work completed in all the 56 homes by September 2021.

Ashby councillor Roger Bayliss, Portfolio Holder for Housing at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "We're always looking for opportunities to improve the lives of our tenants and take the next steps on our Zero Carbon journey.

"This funding is a huge boost to both of those aims. This is also about us setting the right example to our residents and businesses – we're taking the lead on our Zero Carbon journey as a district and we want everyone to come with us.

"The boost this will bring to 56 families cannot be understated either as they enjoy these significant improvements and reduce their energy bills as a result."