100 HOMES in Manningham will be part of a pilot scheme to see how energy bills can be cut in Yorkshire traditional terraced housing.

The "Retrofit Hub" plans have been awarded over £470,000 from the Government, and will look at how modern insulation and carbon cutting measures can be incorporated in buildings that could be well over a century old.

If the pilot, run by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, proves a success it could be rolled out across West Yorkshire. It will also help to equip people of all ages with the skills needed to take up a career in retrofitting buildings and other green jobs.

Details of which homes in Manningham will benefit have yet to be announced. The Retrofit Hub has received £471,763 from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and if successful, it will be rolled out across West Yorkshire. The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “In West Yorkshire, we’re working towards creating a net zero carbon economy by 2038 at the latest and I want people in all communities to be able to feel the benefits this transition will bring.

“Our region has a high number of older, terraced homes which are harder to retrofit with energy saving measures that will cut carbon emissions, reduce heating bills and make a real difference to peoples’ lives.

“It’s vital that we invest in pilot schemes such as The Retrofit Hub which, as well as making homes warmer and more efficient, will also help equip people with the skills and training they need to secure jobs in green careers of the future.”

The Combined Authority will work with Manningham Housing Association with people living in terraced houses that were built before 1919 and are typically harder to heat and have higher than average carbon emissions.

The Deputy Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association, Ulfat Hussain, said: “We are proud to be recognised as an anchor organisation in the local community with the ability to reach out to BME neighbourhoods facing greatest disadvantage. “Homes in these areas tend to be the most difficult to retrofit. It is excellent for us to play our part in helping to reduce energy bills and create opportunities for local workers to access new career opportunities.

“I am confident that we will make this project a resounding success and lead the way in championing carbon reduction across the region.” A key part of the scheme will involve working with young people at school or college and older people looking to change careers to highlight the careers and job opportunities in areas such as installing green technology and saving energy in buildings.

FutureGoals, a careers support service for people of all ages delivered by The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (The LEP), will provide a range of opportunities for virtual, classroom-based and hands-on learning.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said: “We are delighted that the Combined Authority has managed to secure this funding which will allow us to carry out surveys at 100 properties in the Manningham area. “It is the first step towards helping these residents have lower energy bills and further cutting our carbon emissions.”