Consumer Rights – Helping People – Helping Sheffield

The Consumer Rights has helped Sheffield residents reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint over the past few years.

Through ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, supported by LA Flex, We are committed to assisting Sheffield residents in obtaining the financial aid they require.

So How and Why Do We Do This?

The UK Government’s ECO4 scheme and other grant programs aim to improve home energy efficiency and achieve a national EPC rating of band D or higher in all UK homes, supporting the Net Zero emissions target. Consumer Rights is committed to helping Sheffield households improve their energy efficiency and supports this government initiative.

Sheffield’s housing stock presents a challenge in terms of energy efficiency, with many homes having lower Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings than the national average. The city’s mix of older and newer properties means that numerous homes are eligible for government-funded energy efficiency upgrades.

For private rental properties in Sheffield, compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) is mandatory, requiring a minimum EPC rating of band E. Properties with ratings F or G cannot be legally rented unless they have a valid exemption registered on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register. 

The UK Government aims to enhance housing energy efficiency further by raising the minimum EPC requirement for rental properties, though specific timelines for these changes are not detailed in the current information. Sheffield is addressing these challenges through various initiatives, including retrofitting programs and community-based renewable energy projects, to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

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

Sheffield’s housing stock is characterised by a diverse array of property types and ages. Semi-detached homes are the most common, comprising about 38% of the city’s dwellings, followed by terraced houses, which account for around 26%.

Detached properties make up approximately 15%, while flats and apartments constitute about 21% of the housing stock. The city’s housing includes both historic and modern properties, with traditional terraced houses prevalent in areas like Hillsborough. Newer developments, such as purpose-built flats in the Central ward, are also prominent.

The city’s housing landscape continues to evolve with initiatives like the Sheffield Housing Company, which aims to build over 2,300 homes on council land by 2032, offering a mix of tenures to address local housing needs.

The need for retrofitting properties in Sheffield to increase energy efficiency is significant:

  1. Sheffield has been ranked as the UK’s least energy-efficient city, indicating a pressing need for widespread retrofitting.
  2. Approximately 80% of the homes that will be occupied in 2050 already exist, emphasizing the importance of improving existing housing stock.
  3. The city’s diverse housing stock, including older properties, presents challenges for energy efficiency improvements.

Regarding fuel poverty in Sheffield:

  1. In Sheffield Central constituency, 9,745 households (20.4%) live in fuel poverty as of 2022.
  2. More broadly, over 46,000 people in Sheffield were reported to be living in fuel poverty as of 2023.

Specific information on improving energy efficiency in Sheffield:

  1. Sheffield City Council has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2030.
  2. The council aims to achieve EPC Rating C for all 38,000 council homes by 2030.
  3. A community retrofit hub project has been established to help Sheffield households make energy efficiency improvements.
  4. Sheffield City Council has developed a decarbonisation accreditation training scheme to address the skills gap in the local workforce for retrofitting.
  5. It is estimated that retrofitting skills will be required for 1,500 existing workers and 3,000 new entrants in Sheffield.
  6. The city is utilizing the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to support efforts in improving energy efficiency.
  7. A comprehensive route map to carbon Net Zero for the city’s property stock is being developed and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Sheffield is dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency and lowering carbon emissions in diverse property types. These efforts showcase the city’s dedication to addressing fuel poverty while supporting broader carbon reduction objectives.

EPC Ratings in Sheffield

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Sheffield have an EPC rating of C or higher, indicating they are relatively energy-efficient but may still benefit from upgrades such as solar panels or modern heating systems.
  • D (average efficiency): The majority of properties in Sheffield fall into band D, with standard insulation and conventional heating systems. These homes are eligible for ECO4 grants and could become more efficient with improvements.
  • E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of properties in Sheffield have an E rating, meaning they have poor energy efficiency and higher energy bills. Many homes in this category qualify for government funding.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): The least efficient homes, rated F or G, require major upgrades to meet modern energy standards. These properties are prioritised for ECO4 funding.

Government funding for energy efficiency grants requires a property to have an EPC rating of D or below, making many homes in Sheffield eligible.

 

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

Consumer Rights is here to assist you in gaining access to the ECO4 funding and the LA Flex 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 contact us. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to advise you further.