Public confidence in renovation schemes: Consultation

How does the UK Government rebuild public confidence in home retrofitting schemes following the, shall we say, ‘indiscretions’ of the past? 🤷‍♂️ 

Many homes have been renovated historically without consideration for sufficient air flow and suitability of ventilation systems

It’s a delicate subject for many, and not something that can be answered easily. Nevertheless, a public consultation has been launched in the hope we'll suggest some sensible solutions.

It’s worth a read for any trades or consultants who work in the world of home renovations. It’s open for public response until 10th September 2026.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a32936a00ff27f06e3ef96f/Reforming_Consumer_Protection_Home_Upgrade_Schemes_Consultation_document.pdf

This comes at a time of renewed impetus, with the troubled ECO4 scheme being wound down, and the launch of the Warm Homes Plan scheduled to start in January.

ECO4 hit the headlines for the wrong reasons last year with 19 out of 20 external wall insulation projects leading to occupant complaints about condensation, damp, and even structural damage.

Older, leaky buildings were sealed up with no consideration for their required ventilation and air flow rates.

The Warm Homes Plan comes with a big budget (£15 billion) and is making big promises (upgrades to 5 million homes). But we shouldn't lose sight that it is yet-another attempt by a UK Government to convince the public that subsidised home improvements are a good thing.

The specific purpose of this consultation is to look at aftercare, better protection for homeowners, how to provide tailored support and advice for every application, baking in accountability for when things go wrong… all areas that have been shown to be lacking from previous schemes.

And to give credit where it’s due, these are not hollow soundbites. The Warm Homes Agency has already been setup, ready to act like a Citizens Advice Bureau for anyone interested in getting a £15,000 grant for a new heating system or insulation upgrade, or both.

The Agency will also deal with complaints, keep a register of approved installers, and work with local authorities.

(Free support will be available to homes with earnings <£36,000, and with a D-G EPC rating. Loans are available for everyone else.)

DESNZ are expecting high standards from the WHP.

🏡 They want all building work to be completed correctly first time.

🏡 They want the whole application process to be far simpler than previous schemes.

🏡 And if remediation is needed, they expect it to be swift with builders held account for their work.

Those in the driving seat of the Warm Homes Plan are saying the right things, and have good intentions. They know that repeating the mistakes of ECO4 and other historical retrofit schemes isn’t an option.

If the public don’t trust the Warm Homes Plan, it’s going to find the same fate as its predecessors. But I have a renewed sense of optimism this time 🙏