At least 80% of the homes that will be occupied in 2050 have already been built. However, the UK housing stock is among the oldest and least energy efficient in Europe and our homes too often do not meet the basic needs of residents for comfort, health, resilience, safety and affordability.
In ßÙßÇÂþ» alone:
- Almost 330,000 homes are estimated to be energy rated D or worse
- Around 41,800 ßÙßÇÂþ» households were suffering fuel poverty as of 2023
Improving the energy performance of homes – also known as retrofit – can lower energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, improve health and comfort by keeping homes warm, dry and free of damp and mould, reduce pressure on local NHS and social care services, and even increase property value.
What action are we taking?
Alongside a wide-ranging programme of energy support already being delivered direct to households as part of our Climate Change Strategy, we are proud that ßÙßÇÂþ» is one of the first four pilot localities participating in the Local Area Retrofit Accelerator (LARA), an ambitious initiative facilitated by the (MCS) to co-create a local retrofit plan through hands-on collaboration.
Between January and May 2025, around 50 local organisations came together to shape a shared vision for retrofit across the county – including councils, housing providers, colleges, industry, and community groups.
What this means for ßÙßÇÂþ» residents
For ßÙßÇÂþ» residents, this means you’ll get consistent, high-quality energy advice across all local organisations. You’ll have access to grants and finance options to help you afford home energy improvements. You’ll also have access to trusted services that provide pre-checked, skilled professionals to support you throughout your home energy upgrade journey.
Learn more
This work has led to the publication of the ßÙßÇÂþ» Retrofit Strategic Action Plan.
This Plan aligns the diverse domestic retrofit activity already underway in ßÙßÇÂþ», and sets out a framework to:
- Build a collaborative structure to coordinate working practices
- Build confidence in retrofit through clear information, trusted advice and guidance
- Facilitate access to flexible, accessible funding and finance
- Develop a skilled, trusted and stable local supply chain and skills base
If you require any of the documents in another format, please contact us or email energy@surreycc.gov.uk
Looking ahead
We are proud and determined to now work with local partners to drive forwards with implementation of the Plan. To create a new normal where everyone in ßÙßÇÂþ» has a comfortable, healthy, affordable-to-run and sustainable home.
Advice for households – get support now
For details of our up-to-date energy support services for residents, visit: Home energy saving support for residents