The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), now delivered through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, is a Government-backed programme designed to improve the energy efficiency of social housing across England.

The scheme helps housing associations, councils and registered providers upgrade properties with energy-saving improvements that can help reduce energy costs, improve comfort and lower carbon emissions.

Unlike schemes aimed at individual households, SHDF is delivered through social landlords rather than direct resident applications. If a housing provider secures funding and selects a property, eligible tenants benefit automatically.

Current funding phases continue through to 2028, with projects focused on improving lower energy-rated social housing properties.

What Improvements Could Be Included?

Funding may support a range of whole-home retrofit improvements designed to improve overall property performance.

Heating & Hot Water Upgrades

Potential improvements may include:

  • Air source heat pumps
  • Ground source heat pumps
  • High heat retention storage heaters
  • Smart heating controls and thermostats

Insulation & Energy Efficiency Measures

Depending on property requirements, works may include:

  • Loft insulation
  • Roof insulation
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Internal wall insulation
  • External wall insulation
  • Floor insulation
  • Draught reduction measures

Additional Home Improvements

Some projects may also include:

  • Solar PV panels
  • Energy-efficient windows and doors
  • Additional energy-saving measures that support larger retrofit projects

The programme focuses on improving homes through a wider whole-property approach rather than isolated upgrades.

Who May Benefit?

Residents may benefit where:

  • They live in social housing
  • The property has a lower energy rating (typically EPC D–G)
  • Their housing provider has secured funding and included the property within improvement plans

Important information:

  • Individual tenant applications are not normally accepted
  • Housing providers decide which properties are included
  • Residents are contacted directly if selected

How The Process Works

Step 1 – Funding Applications

Housing providers, councils and registered landlords apply for funding through Government allocation programmes.

Applications typically include housing data, retrofit proposals and property improvement plans.

Step 2 – Project Planning

Housing providers often work with technical specialists, retrofit coordinators and contractors to develop suitable upgrade programmes.

Projects are generally designed around recognised retrofit standards.

Step 3 – Funding Approval

Successful landlords receive funding allocations to support energy improvement works.

Some providers may also contribute additional investment alongside grant funding.

Step 4 – Resident Communication

If your property is included within a project, your landlord may contact you regarding:

  • Property surveys
  • Planned improvement works
  • Installation dates
  • Expected changes to your home

Step 5 – Installation

Approved contractors complete the works and deliver the agreed improvements.

Need Advice On Current Grant Schemes?

Energy grants and funding programmes regularly change and eligibility can vary.

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss current grants and available support routes through approved installer networks and local programmes.

Our team can help review available options and discuss what energy-saving support may currently be available.

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