Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Birmingham

Our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been working with Birmingham households for the past few years to help them lower their energy costs while also contributing to the UK’s efforts to cut carbon emissions. 

We are committed to assisting Birmingham residents in obtaining the funds that they are eligible for through ECO4and the Great British Insulation Scheme, which are backed by LA Flex, available for qualifying households.

So how and why do we do this?

To assist the UK government in reaching its goal of Net Zero emissions, ECO4 and similar grants have been launched. We at Consumer Rights are dedicated to playing our role in supporting these efforts.

In Birmingham, the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for homes is generally consistent with the national average, often falling into band D. This reflects a moderate level of energy efficiency, with many homes having room for improvement. For private rental properties in Birmingham, a minimum energy efficiency rating of band E is currently required on the EPC Register. However, future regulations may aim to raise this standard further, potentially requiring rental properties to achieve a higher EPC rating in the coming years.

Properties rated F or G may not be legally rented out, unless there is a valid exemption.


Through government-backed programs like ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, Consumer Rights CIC have been actively helping Birmingham homeowners improve the EPC ratings of their properties.

Birmingham’s varied housing stock means these schemes are vital to improve the current energy efficiency.

Birmingham’s housing stock contains a notable proportion of terraced and semi-detached properties. Older housing types, such as terraced homes, often pose challenges for retrofitting due to outdated designs and materials, making energy efficiency upgrades more complex and costly.

Fuel poverty is a significant issue in Birmingham, with 23.2% of households affected—one of the highest rates in the UK. In areas like Birmingham Hodge Hill, this figure rises to 32.1%. Efforts to improve energy efficiency in the city have seen initiatives targeting fuel-poor households, but the scale of need remains substantial given the prevalence of older homes and low-income residents. Increasing energy efficiency in Birmingham’s housing stock is critical to addressing fuel poverty and reducing energy costs for vulnerable populations.

EPC Ratings for Birmingham

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): A significant portion of homes in Birmingham have an EPC rating of C or above. These properties are considered energy-efficient, though they may still benefit from additional upgrades such as improved insulation or renewable energy systems.
  • D (average efficiency): The most prevalent EPC rating in Birmingham is likely band D. This category includes many older properties with standard insulation and heating systems, which could become more energy-efficient with targeted improvements.
  • E (poor efficiency): A notable number of properties in Birmingham have an E rating, indicating subpar energy efficiency and potentially higher energy costs. This category often includes older homes, particularly pre-1919 terraced houses with solid walls and outdated heating systems.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): A small percentage of Birmingham’s housing stock falls into the F or G ratings, signifying very poor energy efficiency. These properties typically require substantial upgrades to meet current energy standards and are likely facing the highest energy bills.

A property must have an EPC rating of D or lower in order to be eligible for government support. Birmingham’s EPC rating distribution suggests that many of the city’s properties qualify for energy efficiency improvement initiatives.

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

Consumer Rights is here to help you access ECO4 and GBIS, giving you the opportunity to install energy-efficient improvements in your home. Check your eligibility and apply today.

How to Apply for ECO4 Funding:

1. Complete the Eligibility Checker
Visit our Eligibility Checker and use the tool to answer questions about your property and personal circumstances.

2. Centre Call Contact
After completing the checker, a member of our qualified contact centre team will call you. They will:

  • Discuss your property and the upgrades available.
  • Walk you through the application process.
  • Help gather any required documents.

      3. Property Survey and Upgrade Options

        • The team will arrange for a survey of your property to assess the upgrades that can be offered.
        • If you want to proceed, they will schedule a time to carry out the necessary work.

        If you think you may be eligible for funding, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to advise you further.