HUNDREDS of council homes will have new boilers fitted as part of a £4.4 million project to reduce Colchester’s carbon emissions.

Colchester Council’s Cabinet is set to agree a housing investment programme which will see 400 new boilers fitted at Colchester Borough Homes properties.

Further works will also take place at 105 properties, deemed to be of the worst environmental standard, to improve their energy rating.

The council’s sheltered housing will also be prioritised for upgrade with new heat pumps, replacement heating systems and roof replacements planned.

Adam Fox, councillor responsible for housing, said the move would lower emissions but also save residents money.

“The housing stock is one area which has the biggest impact on the environment through the lifespan of the building materials but also the heating systems in homes.

“This is about delivering on our promises with regards the climate emergency and showing they weren’t just words when we made the declaration.

“A really important point here though is this will also save residents money on heating their homes.

“We know people are really struggling at the moment and some people have to choose between heating and eating over winter.

“We’ve heard lots of talk about food poverty in recent weeks but fuel poverty is just as big of a problem.

“These works will make it cheaper for residents and it will improve emissions from our housing stock.”

Homes with the oldest heating and insulation systems will be prioritised first.

The council’s cabinet will discuss the project at a meeting on Monday.