Businesses and homeowners in Watford will be able to have energy saving measures installed in their properties without upfront cost as part of a new scheme.

Watford Borough Council signed up yesterday to take part in the Government’s Green Deal, which is set to replace previous energy efficiency initiatives.

The scheme allows people to have work done without paying upfront and then paying off the cost in instalments through the utility bill.

However the council said the savings in energy bills will offset the payments for the works.

If the property is sold, because the payment is taken from the utility bill it is transferred to the new owner.

The scheme is due to start next month.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill said: "Green Deal is a great opportunity for us to help residents and businesses benefit by making savings on their energy bills and reducing carbon emissions.

"A good example would be a new energy efficient boiler that could cost approximately £4,500. This would be expected to lower your heating bill with some of the savings going towards paying back the cost of the new boiler and the rest to reducing your overall bill."