As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, Islington Council is hard at work making sure residents across the borough are equipped to face the colder months. We catch up with Finsbury Park resident Jackie who joined the nearly 300 residents who have had much-needed energy efficiency upgrades to their homes

Thanks to the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) council homes in Islington are receiving upgrades which reduce carbon footprints and make homes warmer, more comfortable and more affordable to live in. “When I first heard about the upgrades, I was so glad,” Jackie says. “I knew it would be disruptive, but you can’t do something like this without a bit of disruption, and it’s so worth it.”

The work on Jackie’s home included the installation of new internal wall insulation and energy-efficient, double-glazed windows in timber frames to look exactly like the original period features. These changes might seem small, but Jackie says: “They’ve made my whole house feel better, it’s definitely warmer — I’m loving it! It feels so much cleaner now, and I’ve hardly been using my radiators. And the best part? It didn’t cost me a thing!”

So much more comfortable now

Despite the initial disruption, the benefits of the upgrades have been clear. “It’s too soon to say for sure about the bills, but I’m confident they’ll go down,” Jackie explains. “And my home feels so much more comfortable now. My friends are so jealous — do you know how much this would cost if you owned your home?”

When asked if she has any advice for others who might be getting similar upgrades, Jackie doesn’t hesitate. “Definitely do it! It’s a dusty and dirty process, but it’s so worth it. Try and make space and be ready for the inconvenience, but remember,the end result is what matters.”

Jackie’s experience shows the positive impact the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero-funded renovations are having. These upgrades not only help residents stay warm but also contribute to a greener and healthier community. So, if you’re eligible, take Jackie’s advice — “definitely do it!”

Free energy saving advice

The council’s SHINE service offers free expert advice on heating homes more efficiently and keeping energy bills down – including ‘Energy Doctor’ home visits. Some eligibility criteria apply.

You can contact the team on 0800 953 1221 or at: SHINE@islington.gov.uk to find out more. For more energy saving tips and advice visit: shine-london.org.uk