The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) is creating warmer, energy-efficient social homes
How does HEART Support the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF)?
Across England, a significant government initiative is helping to improve the quality, comfort and energy efficiency of social housing — and HEART is proud to play a role in supporting these improvements.
The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (WH:SHF) — previously known as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund — forms a key part of the government’s wider Warm Homes Plan. It provides grant funding to social housing providers to upgrade existing homes, cut carbon emissions and help tenants enjoy warmer, healthier and more affordable living environments.
At its heart, WH:SHF focuses on practical, resident-centred retrofit improvements. The programme aims to deliver meaningful upgrades that enhance daily life for tenants while contributing to the UK’s wider goals of reducing carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty.
What Is the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund?
The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund offers targeted capital funding to local authorities, registered housing providers and charitable organisations that own or manage social housing across England.
The funding is used to support retrofit measures that:
- Improve the energy efficiency and comfort of homes
- Reduce carbon emissions from domestic heating systems
- Lower energy costs for residents
- Strengthen and support a skilled retrofit workforce
WH:SHF is central to the government’s ambition to raise as many social homes as possible to EPC Band C. Achieving this standard helps ensure homes are easier and more affordable to heat, both now and in the years ahead.
Wave 3: Long-Term Investment in Social Housing
The latest phase of funding — Wave 3 — represents a £1.29 billion investment that will be delivered between 2025 and 2028. This funding enables social housing providers to plan and implement large-scale retrofit programmes, with a strong focus on quality, value for money and positive outcomes for residents.
Wave 3 projects focus primarily on homes with lower energy performance ratings and prioritise proven measures that deliver the greatest impact. The objective is not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to provide lasting improvements in comfort, affordability and wellbeing for tenants.
What the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Can Support
Through WH:SHF, social housing providers can install a range of energy-saving improvements. These measures are typically recommended following a professional assessment to ensure the most effective whole-home approach.
Supported improvements may include:
Insulation upgrades
Loft, wall and floor insulation designed to minimise heat loss and increase indoor comfort.
Heating system improvements
Replacing outdated or inefficient heating systems with modern, low-carbon alternatives where appropriate.
Additional energy efficiency measures
Improvements that help raise properties toward EPC Band C or higher.
Alongside physical upgrades to homes, the fund also contributes to:
- Developing a skilled retrofit workforce
- Supporting stable supply chains
- Raising standards across the retrofit industry
Why HEART Supports the Programme
Delivering retrofit improvements within occupied social housing requires careful planning, technical expertise and a strong focus on residents. HEART works to support programmes that prioritise these principles.
Experienced programme support
HEART works alongside housing providers and local partners to help facilitate retrofit projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. This includes supporting initiatives involving insulation, low-carbon heating technologies and whole-home energy improvements in line with government standards.
A resident-focused approach
Energy improvements should benefit the people living in the homes. HEART promotes a resident-first approach by encouraging clear communication, careful planning and ongoing support throughout retrofit projects.
This helps ensure that improvements are delivered safely, respectfully and with long-term value for tenants.
Supporting Net Zero and Tackling Fuel Poverty
The work supported by the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund aligns closely with the wider goals promoted by HEART, including:
- Creating warmer, healthier homes
- Helping residents reduce energy bills
- Lowering carbon emissions from housing
- Supporting the growth of skilled green jobs
These outcomes contribute to the broader objectives of the Warm Homes Plan and the UK’s transition toward a lower-carbon future.
In Summary
The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund is a major national programme helping to improve the quality and energy efficiency of social housing across England. With £1.29 billion allocated through Wave 3, it represents a significant opportunity for housing providers to upgrade homes, support residents and contribute to national climate goals.
HEART supports initiatives that help turn this investment into meaningful improvements for communities — creating warmer, more efficient homes and helping residents benefit from lower energy costs.
Looking to Reduce Your Energy Bills, Improve Your Home’s Heating and Energy Efficiency?
Contact HEART to find out more about the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund or the Warm Homes Plan and register your interest today, or call HEART on 0800 520 0280 for professional advice, home surveys and installation support.
Source: www.gov.uk The Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
