NEARLY 2,000 households across the district are set to benefit from warmer homes - thanks to a landmark "green" home improvement deal.

Nine local authorities across Yorkshire have clubbed together on the £20 million programme, which aims to drive down fuel poverty while also tackling carbon emissions.

The programme, called Better Homes Yorkshire, is the biggest of its kind to be struck across Yorkshire and will run for up to eight years.

Bradford, Barnsley, Craven, Calderdale, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby and York councils have all signed up to the programme, which will see private firms Keepmoat and Willmott Dixon Energy Services carry out the works, under the supervision of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

It is thought that by clubbing together in this way, local authorities can create economies of scale which can then be passed down to householders wanting to reduce their energy bills.

Councillor David Green, leader of Bradford Council and chairman of the WYCA investment committee, said the programme was "another great example of the public and private sector working together to deliver further growth for the Leeds City Region".

He said: "Reducing fuel poverty and improving health and wellbeing is vital to ensure we build a resource-smart city region for our residents to both live and work and I am delighted that homes in Bradford, along with other areas in the city region, will benefit from this scheme."

In its first three years, Better Homes Yorkshire will use an estimated £20 million of funding from the Government and energy firms to fit more than 12,000 privately owned or rented homes with measures such as new boilers, loft insulation, central heating systems or wall insulation.

This will include more than 2,500 energy efficiency measures fitted in nearly 2,000 Bradford homes.

And although many householders will be expected to contribute towards the cost, some people may be eligible for grant funding.

Martin Smithurst, a board member of Better Homes Yorkshire, said: "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and fuel poverty in this ground-breaking initiative across Leeds City Region and make the homes of Yorkshire healthier, warmer and more energy-efficient places to live."

Households eligible for improvements in the first phase of the programme will be contacted by Keepmoat and Willmott Dixon Energy Services over the next few weeks.

The offer will be opened up to all homeowners and privately renting tenants this spring.