LIVERPOOL, 29 September 2026 — The Rt Hon Miatta Fahnbulleh MP delivered her first conference speech as Energy Secretary in Liverpool on Monday. Responding to the Secretary of State’s promise to devolve Warm Homes funding, Christopher Hammond, chief executive of the local authority climate network, UK100, says:

"This is exactly what we hoped to hear from the Secretary of State. It’s the promise local leaders have been asking for. Across our network, schemes to upgrade residents’ homes are closing to new applicants because demand has outstripped the money available. This is further evidence that local leaders can deliver at pace and scale when empowered to do so. Alongside devolving the warm homes plan, the funding must be protected at the Budget, reach every postcode, and come with investment in the people to deliver it. Every pound of capital needs to be backed up by the staff and skills to ensure it reaches the people who need it most, quickly.”

ENDS

More information: Liam Ward, UK100, media@uk100.org,

Notes to editors

About UK100

UK100 is the only network of ambitious councils led by all political parties working together to tackle climate change. We help local leaders overcome challenges and turn innovation into solutions that work everywhere. We build the case for the powers needed to make change happen. From cities to villages, we help communities across the UK create thriving places powered by clean energy, with fresh air to breathe, warm homes to live in, and a healthy natural environment. UK100.org

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