HOUSEHOLDS in Bradford will be among thousands across Yorkshire who can save money on their fuel bills - thanks to a new scheme which started today.

Residents will be able to take advantage of heavily discounted improvements to their homes, such as new insulation or boiler replacements, under a project called Better Homes Bradford.

People are now being invited to register their interest in the scheme, which will be open to people who either own or privately rent their homes.

Better Homes Bradford is part of a wider programme called Better Homes Yorkshire - the biggest deal of its kind to be struck across Yorkshire.

Nine local authorities across Yorkshire have clubbed together on the £20 million programme, which aims to drive down fuel poverty while also tackling carbon emissions.

It will run for up to eight years and is being managed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, using cash from the Government’s Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) schemes.

In the first three years alone, the programme aims to deliver energy-efficiency measures to more than 12,000 homes, and create jobs and apprenticeships for local people.

Councillor Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member for the environment and sustainability, said: "The programme target is to install 2,508 energy efficiency measures in 1,945 homes within the Bradford district over the next three years, making the district’s homes warmer and more energy efficient."

Councillor David Green, leader of Bradford Council and chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's investment committee, said: "This new programme is another great example of the public and private sector working together to deliver further growth for the Leeds City Region.

He said by making it easier for people to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes, it would "make a real positive difference for local people".

He added: "Reducing fuel poverty and improving health and wellbeing is vital, and I am delighted that homes in Bradford, along with other areas in the City Region, will benefit from this scheme.”

Mark Pheasey, framework director for Better Homes Yorkshire, said: "We are delighted to be launching the Better Homes Yorkshire programme.

"The scheme will help residents heat their home for less and create greener, healthier communities across the region.

"This eight-year programme will also bring job, apprenticeship and training opportunities for local people."

For more information, and to register for the scheme, visit betterhomesyorkshire.co.uk.