FAQs

The Hillfields Neighbourhoods Improvements project is about working with the community to make the area greener and healthier.  We want to make homes more energy-efficient (warmer in winter and cheaper to heat). This includes improving homes, streets, and public spaces. This includes things like adding insulation ( to keep heat inside), planting trees, and making it easier to walk or cycle. All the things that matter most to you. 

There is no cost to residents for taking to us or attending any of the  events. If any home improvements are offered in the future, 

we’ll provide full details, 

including whether they are free or discounted. 

this will depend on a set of eligibility criteria (standards the house will need to meet). 

Owner-occupied  ( for people who are buying the home they live in  - this is fully funded where eligibility criteria is met  

Private rented = Your landlord may need to provide contributions to the scheme  

Social rented = You will need to speak to social landlord to see what works are planned for your area.  

This project is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (government funding) to help improve local areas. 

This project is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (government funding) to help improve local areas.

If you are interested in the scheme, and sign up you will have a visit from Eon

The visit will look at the things that might help keep your home warmer, while keeping bills as cheap as possible.

They will need to be able to get into each room of your home and look inside your loft.

This will let them work out the changes that will make your home warmer while keeping bills as low as possible

They will ask you if you want the changes.

Changes are called Retrofit and can include things like:

putting material in your loft to keep more heat in, 

new boiler or heat pump, solar panels or other things.

You can refuse if you change your mind.

Eon will answer all of your questions. 

They will not do anything without your permission. 

It will not affect your council tax.  

This project is not linked to rent or council tax increases. It’s funded through external grants and government support to improve the area. 

We would not be able to advise on rent increases as these are up to your landlord 

Hillfields was chosen because many homes here do not meet the standard to keep homes warm. We measure this with an EPC rating. A is the best and means that homes do not lose much heat

Government standards are changing .  Rented homes will soon need to be rated C or above. 

Some homes could benefit from energy improvements, 

The area has great potential for (It could have)  greener public spaces and safer streets.

Not at all, you can still be part of every process! 

We can provide information in other languages and offer support at events. Just let us know your preferred language.

Eligibility for home improvements is  based on several factors, including:

• How much money you have coming into your home
• Whether you receive means-tested benefits
• Where you live
• Whether your property has already had improvements

Even if you don’t qualify for this scheme, you may be eligible for other home improvement programmes. We’ll help you explore all available options.

If you're not eligible for this scheme, we’ll work with E.ON to look at other support you might qualify for. There are also many other ways to get involved in the project, such as:

• Community events
• Skills development and job support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Improving local green spaces

We’re here to make sure you can still benefit from the project.