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Suffolk County Council to offer interest-free home energy loans

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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.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

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

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