Homes in Stoke on Trent are set to get an energy makeover with up to £4.5million spent on upgrades in both private and council houses.

The Stoke-on-Trent City Council is putting the finishing touches on a deal for the cash which comes from the Government’s ECO Go Early project. This taps into funds from the climate change levy on energy companies.

The council is hoping work will crack on from September on external wall insulation for 168 steel-framed houses, built in the 1940s and 50s as well as draft proofing and heating system improvements for some of the homes.

All council-owned homes will get new windows, doors and upgraded boilers “wherever they are needed”.

Eight blocks of council flats will also get external insulation while three more will get a new roof and brand new ‘eco-glazing’ in their stairwell.

Andy Platt, City Council cabinet member for green enterprise said: “Energy prices and fuel poverty are a real issue for hard pressed families. We are working to deliver a massive step change in the environmental performance of the city’s housing stock. Energy efficiency is vital in helping people keep warm and cut their bills.”

He said the city takes energy security “really seriously”, adding it has won and spent £31m on home energy upgrades for 38,000 homes since 2008 with “more to come” over the next decade.

A third phase of the programme which is still to be finalised could spell another £3.5 million for hundreds more private homes.