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 London
Our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting London residents in reducing their energy costs and helping the UK with its carbon emission reduction efforts for the past few years.
We are dedicated to assisting Londoners in obtaining the funds to which they are entitled, offering both ECO4 (backed by LA Flex) and The Great British Installation Scheme to eligible homes.
So how and why do we do this?
The UK has implemented ECO4 and other government-backed grants to assist in reaching its Net Zero emissions goal. We at Consumer Rights are committed to helping this endeavour.
In London, the average EPC rating for homes is actually around band C, with a median score of 70, making it the highest among English regions and above the national average of band D. For private rental properties, it is mandatory to have an energy efficiency rating of at least band E on the EPC Register. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be rented out unless they hold a valid exemption, as per the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) introduced in 2018. Additionally, there are proposals to increase the minimum requirement for private rental properties to an EPC rating of C by 2028 for all tenancies, as part of the UK’s efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Customer Rights Supporting London Homes
Through local energy efficiency projects and government-backed programs like ECO4, Consumer Rights has been actively assisting Londoners in raising the EPC rating of their homes.
London’s diverse housing stock, which includes many older and less energy-efficient houses, makes these programs especially crucial there:
- Pre-1919 homes: Many areas of London have Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses. These homes often have solid walls with little or no insulation, making them prone to heat loss and higher energy consumption.
- Interwar and post-war homes: Properties built between the 1920s and 1950s, including council and semi-detached homes, often have outdated heating systems and insufficient insulation, reducing their energy efficiency.
- High-rise flats and apartments: London also has a large number of older high-rise flats, which frequently have poor insulation and inefficient heating systems, making them costly to heat.
EPC Ratings for London
- C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in London have an EPC rating of C or higher. These properties are relatively energy-efficient but could still benefit from further improvements such as solar panels or modern heating systems.
- D (moderate efficiency): The majority of homes in London fall into band D. These properties typically have standard insulation and heating systems but could achieve better efficiency through upgrades.
- E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of properties in London are rated E, meaning they have poor energy efficiency and likely face higher energy bills. These homes often require insulation and heating 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 insulation, double glazing, and modern heating systems, to meet current energy standards.
Since houses need to have an EPC rating of D or lower in order to be eligible for government funding, many London residences are eligible for energy efficiency improvement programs.
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.