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 Lincoln
Our staff at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting residents of Lincoln for the past few years in reducing their energy costs and contributing to the UK’s carbon emission reduction initiatives.
We are dedicated to assisting Lincoln residents in obtaining the funds to which they are entitled to, offering both ECO4 and The Great British Installation Scheme (backed by LA Flex) to those in need.
So how and why do we do this?
The UK has created ECO4 and other government-backed grants to help meet its Net Zero emissions goal. Our goal at Consumer Rights is to help achieve this goal.
In Lincoln the average EPC is a band D, 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. Without a valid exemption, which needs to be listed on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register, properties with ratings of F or G are not permitted to be rented out legally. 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 buildings in the future.
Customer Rights Supporting Lincoln Homes
In addition to local energy efficiency projects, Consumer Rights has been actively assisting Lincoln residents in raising their property’s EPC rating through government-sponsored programs like ECO4.
The varied housing stock in Lincoln, which is largely made up of older, less energy-efficient homes, makes these projects particularly beneficial:
- Interwar and post-war homes: Properties built between the 1920s and 1950s, including semi-detached and council houses, are common in Lincoln’s suburbs. These homes frequently have outdated heating systems and minimal insulation, requiring modernisation.
- Modern homes and new builds: Lincoln also has a growing number of modern developments, particularly in areas like Birchwood and Boultham. While these homes are generally more energy-efficient, they can still benefit from upgrades such as solar panels or heat pumps.
The age and construction of many properties in Lincoln make retrofitting for energy efficiency more complex and costly. Older homes, especially those built before 1930, have an average energy efficiency score of 59, placing them in EPC band E. These properties often require substantial investments, potentially up to £30,000 per property, to bring them up to the proposed EPC band C standard. The prevalence of solid-walled homes built before 1919 in Lincolnshire further complicates retrofitting efforts, as these are harder and more expensive to insulate effectively
Fuel poverty is a significant issue in Lincoln. As of 2014, Lincoln had a fuel poverty level of 11.6%, which was higher than the rest of Lincolnshire. More alarmingly, in 2011, it was estimated that around 19.3% of Lincoln households were in fuel poverty, worse than both the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership area (19.1%) and the England average (14.6%). This issue affects households across the entire city, with 38.5% of Lincoln’s 57 Lower Super Output Areas having higher levels of fuel poverty compared to the city average.
EPC Ratings for Lincoln
- C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Lincoln have an EPC rating of C or higher. These properties are relatively energy-efficient but may still benefit from further improvements like solar panels or modern heating systems.
- D (moderate efficiency): The majority of homes in Lincoln fall into band D. These properties typically have standard insulation and heating systems but could achieve better efficiency with upgrades.
- E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of properties in Lincoln are rated E, indicating poor energy efficiency and higher energy bills. These homes often need insulation and heating improvements.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): Properties with an F or G rating have the lowest energy performance. These homes require significant upgrades, such as wall insulation, double glazing, and modern heating systems, to meet current energy standards.
To be eligible for government funding, properties must have an EPC rating of D or below, meaning a significant number of homes in Lincoln qualify for energy efficiency improvement schemes.
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.