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Suffolk County Council to offer interest-free home energy loans

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk residents can soon borrow up to £15,000 interest-free to make their homes more energy efficient as part of a new £3 million council scheme.

The big picture: The loans, available from November, will cover upgrades like insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps – helping homeowners save on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

  • Repayments will be spread over a maximum of seven years at 0% interest.

  • The scheme aims to make homes warmer, safer, and cheaper to run.

  • It supports Suffolk's Climate Emergency Plan by increasing energy-efficient properties.

Why it matters: Energy-efficient homes retain heat better and use less energy, lowering bills and reducing carbon footprints.

A male roofer installing solar panels on a house
Work that can be carried out under the scheme includes solar PV systems, solar battery storage, solar thermal systems, ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, double and triple glazed windows and doors, loft, wall or floor insulation and ventilation where combined with insulation measures

What they're saying: Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, said:

"This loan scheme will help hundreds of Suffolk residents to make their homes more energy efficient. It will put money back in their pockets, by saving on their energy bills."

He added: "We all have a responsibility to ensure homes can cope with the changes in climate, keeping people cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and ultimately reducing our carbon emissions."

How it works:

  • The council is partnering with Lendology CIC, a social enterprise lender, to deliver the scheme.

  • As loans are repaid, the money becomes available for new applicants.

  • The £3 million funding comes from the council's County Deal negotiations with the previous government.

Between the lines: The scheme also aims to boost local green businesses by increasing demand for energy efficiency measures, supporting jobs and skills development.

What's next: Interested homeowners can register now at the Lendology website. The scheme officially opens in November.

The bottom line: This initiative offers Suffolk residents a chance to improve their homes' energy efficiency without the burden of interest, potentially saving money and reducing their environmental impact in the long run.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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