Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Durham

In addition to helping Durham residents lower their energy costs, our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting the UK in reducing carbon emissions for the past three years.

We are dedicated to assisting Durham residents in obtaining the funding to which they are entitled, with both ECO4 and The Great British Installation Scheme (backed by LA Flex) accessible to eligible households.

So how and why do we do this?

To assist the UK in reaching its Net Zero emissions goal, the government has launched ECO4 and other comparable subsidies. We at Consumer Rights are committed to playing our part. 

Home Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in Durham typically have band D ratings of 65.8, which is marginally higher than the national average for England and Wales. Durham’s private rental properties are required to have an EPC Register energy efficiency rating of at least band E. Without a formal exception, properties rated F or G are illegal to rent out, and noncompliant landlords risk fines. These rules are a component of larger initiatives to lower carbon emissions and increase house energy efficiency.

Customer Rights Supporting Durham Homes

Through local energy efficiency projects and government-backed programs like ECO4, Consumer Rights has been actively helping Durham households raise their property’s EPC rating.

Housing Types and Age

Durham features a mix of housing types, including detached, semi-detached, terraced houses, and flats. Many of these homes are older constructions, particularly in former mining communities like Horden and Craghead. In Horden, for example, numerous houses have been abandoned or fallen into disrepair following the decline of the mining industry. Efforts are underway to regenerate such areas, including projects aimed at improving housing conditions and community infrastructure. ​

  • Decline in Home Upgrades: Data from October 2023 revealed a substantial decrease in government-funded home upgrades in the region. In 2022/23, projects supported by the government’s ECO scheme were just 18% of those completed in 2021/22, potentially leaving households missing out on lifetime energy savings exceeding £50 million. ​Ashden
  • Fuel Poverty Statistics: Approximately 13.1% of households in the North East are officially classified as fuel poor.Private rented homes are particularly affected, with 28% rated as ‘non-decent’ under the government’s EPC scheme.Fuel poverty exacerbates health challenges in the region, contributing to life expectancy rates that are 1.8 years lower for men and 1.6 years lower for women compared to the English average. ​

EPC Ratings for Durham

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Durham have an EPC rating of C or higher. These properties are relatively energy-efficient but may still benefit from additional upgrades, such as renewable energy solutions.
  • D (moderate efficiency): The majority of homes in Durham fall into band D. These properties typically have standard insulation and heating systems but could achieve better efficiency with improvements.
  • E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of properties in Durham have an E rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and higher energy bills. These homes often need better insulation and heating system upgrades.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): Properties with an F or G rating have the lowest energy performance. These homes require significant improvements, such as wall insulation, double glazing, and modern heating systems, to meet current energy standards.


Many Durham homes qualify for energy efficiency improvement programs since properties must have an EPC rating of D or lower to be eligible for government funding.

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

Consumer Rights is here to assist you in gaining access to the ECO4 funding and the GBIS Scheme, allowing you to install energy-saving measures in your residence. Determine your eligibility and submit an application.

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.