Social landlord Soho Housing Association has announced its plans to deploy £1 million in government funding in its latest round of grants from the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.

Soho secured the grant from the government’s total £1.2bn, released as part of its efforts to support the decarbonisation of the UK’s social housing stock and address fuel poverty.

Soho says the funding will go towards improving the energy efficiency of just over its 100 homes by upgrading the energy efficiency, heating systems and insulation of the properties. The association has a target of achieving an EPC rating of C across its portfolio of over 800 residential properties in London by 2030.

The social landlord hopes that by upgrading the energy efficiency and sustainability of its homes, energy usage and fuel bills for residents will be reduced, making a tangible impact not only on the carbon emissions of the portfolio but also reducing household bills.

Soho commitment to allocating this funding and upgrading the energy efficiency of its portfolio follows a retrofit programme that saw the upgrade of the association’s Sandringham Flats property. This funding will support the association’s next chapter in futureproofing its affordable homes, whilst protecting the heritage fabric of historic sites and bringing down bills for residents.

Barbara Brownlee, Soho’s Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased to have secured the full amount of grant funding from the government to improve the energy efficiency of over 100 of our affordable homes across central London.

“Surveys are well underway to channel the funding towards the homes that need it most and we are working hand in glove with residents to ensure they receive maximum benefit with minimum disruption. Our newly launched Resident Services Committee will play an important role in ensuring residents’ needs are listened to and met throughout the works.

“At Soho Housing, we are committed to supporting and protecting the needs of our residents and we are looking forward to residents feeling the effects of reduced energy bills as a result of these energy efficiency upgrades.”