Pocklington Residents Reap Rewards of Award-Winning Green Roofing

Liberal Democrat campaigners and local representatives in Pocklington are celebrating a major win for sustainability in East Riding, following the Council’s success at the Pitched Roofing Awards. The council was named winner of the "Sustainable Project of the Year" for a re-roofing initiative that has delivered modern, energy-efficient upgrades to council homes right here in our town.

​The project involved the total replacement of 321 roof coverings across the East Riding, including properties in Pocklington and Fridaythorpe. In a move long championed by the Liberal Democrats, these upgrades weren't just about repairs—they included the installation of integrated solar PV panels.

​Part of a Major Investment in Local Homes
​This award-winning roofing project is a key component of a wider £6.5 million investment to improve energy efficiency for social housing and low-income tenants. This broader scheme aims to:
​-Upgrade nearly 600 social housing properties with solar panels and LED lighting.
-​Boost Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings to at least a 'C' grade by 2030, ensuring homes are cheaper to keep warm.
​Reduce Carbon Footprints by cutting the amount of energy drawn from the National Grid.

​Delivering for Pocklington Families
​For our local community, this represents a practical response to the twin challenges of the climate emergency and the cost-of-living crisis:
​Lower Energy Bills: Tenants can now generate renewable energy directly from their rooftops, providing a vital buffer against rising costs. By generating power at the point of use, residents see immediate relief on their monthly outgoings.
​Tackling Fuel Poverty: By modernising social housing with "fabric-first" insulation and solar technology, the project helps ensure that no resident has to choose between heating and eating. It turns cold, inefficient houses into warm, sustainable homes.
​Long-Term Reliability: The roofing system is backed by a 15-year performance guarantee. This ensures that the benefits of weatherproofing and renewable energy are secured for the next generation of Pocklington residents, not just the short term.

​Funding for Private Homeowners and Landlords
​Crucially, the Liberal Democrats want to ensure that all Pocklington residents and not just those in council housing, can access a warmer, greener home.

​The council is also facilitating the Warm Homes Local Grant, which provides funding for energy efficiency upgrades to privately owned and privately rented homes. If your household income is £36,000 or less and your home has a low energy rating (EPC D-G), you could be eligible for fully funded improvements such as insulation, air source heat pumps, or solar panels.

​A "Green" Future for Pocklington
​The Liberal Democrat group has consistently pushed for the East Riding to accelerate its transition to green energy.

​"It is fantastic to see Pocklington at the heart of this award-winning scheme," said a local Liberal Democrat spokesperson. "By combining these council house upgrades with the grant funding available for private homeowners, we are seeing a 'triple win': we reduce carbon emissions, we support local jobs, and most importantly, we put money back into the pockets of Pocklington residents." Cllr Andrew Cousins 

A National Push for a "Rooftop Solar Revolution"
​The success in Pocklington mirrors the Liberal Democrats' national ambition to tackle the energy crisis at its source. Speaking on the party's plan to slash energy bills, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP recently emphasised the importance of local renewable investment:
​"We have got to break the link between gas prices and electricity costs so people get the benefits of cheap, clean power. By driving a rooftop solar revolution and launching an emergency home energy upgrade programme, we can make homes warmer and significantly cheaper to heat.”

​The Pocklington Liberal Democrats will continue to lobby for the expansion of these initiatives. If you are a homeowner or private tenant interested in the Warm Homes Local Grant, you can contact the council's Healthy Homes team at healthy.homes@eastriding.gov.uk or call (01482) 396301 to check your eligibility.

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