ECO4 has closed to new applications — here's the help you can get now
ECO4 grants are no longer available. See the grants and funding you can get now.
In summary
Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Lichfield
Our staff at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting Lichfield households in lowering their energy costs and supporting the UK’s efforts to decrease carbon emissions for the past three years.
We are dedicated to assisting Lichfield residents in obtaining the funding they are eligible for, with both ECO4 (backed by LA Flex) and The Great British Installation Scheme accessible to eligible households.
So how and why do we do this?
ECO4 and similar government-backed grants have been introduced to help the UK achieve its Net Zero emissions target. At Consumer Rights, we are dedicated to supporting this initiative.
Home Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in Lincoln typically have band D ratings, which is comparable to the national average. In Lincoln, private rental homes must have an EPC Register energy efficiency rating of at least band E. A valid exemption must be listed on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register in order for properties graded F or G to be legally rented out.
Enforcement actions, including possible fines, may be taken against landlords who disregard these rules. A minimum EPC rating of C by 2025 for new tenancies and by 2028 for all tenancies is the goal of proposed modifications that would also raise the minimum rating for rental properties in the future.
Customer Rights Supporting Lichfield Homes
Consumer Rights has been actively supporting Lichfield homeowners in raising the EPC rating of their properties through local energy saving projects and government-backed programs like ECO4.
Lichfield’s housing stock is diverse, with a mix of older and newer properties. The district has a high concentration of larger, detached homes, particularly in rural areas.
The housing stock in Lichfield presents challenges for retrofitting to improve energy efficiency:
- Many older properties, especially those built before 1930, have lower energy efficiency ratings and require substantial investments to bring them up to modern standards.
- The prevalence of larger, detached homes may increase the complexity and cost of retrofitting efforts.
- Solid-walled homes built before 1919 are particularly difficult and expensive to insulate effectively.
EPC Ratings for Lichfield
- C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Lichfield 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 Lichfield 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 Lichfield 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 homes in Lichfield meet part of the eligibility criteria for the government schemes, by having an EPC of a D or below.
How local authority support works
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 check what support you can get
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.