Local Support & Funding in Stoke-on-Trent

The UK government has introduced the ECO4 initiative, as well as other government-backed subsidies, to help achieve its Net Zero emissions target. Consumer Rights is committed to helping to make this happen. 

23,300 properties in Stoke-on-Trent Central have an EPC rating below C, which is poorer than the national average. Wales’ median EPC score is 67, but England’s is 68 (band D). Like the rest of England, Stoke-on-Trent’s private rental homes must adhere to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which mandate an EPC rating of at least band E. 

Unless they have a legitimate exception in place, landlords who have an EPC rating below E are no longer permitted to rent or continue to rent premises covered by the MEES Regulations as of April 1, 2020.As part of larger initiatives to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the UK government has reaffirmed plans to raise the minimum EPC standard for rental homes to band C by 2030. Stoke-on-Trent would be greatly impacted by this move, as many properties there still require renovations to reach these higher criteria.

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

Housing options in Stoke-on-Trent are varied, encompassing a range of house kinds and ages. As of 2017, the city’s housing stock included 90,258 private sector residences. 19.5% of the homes were built before 1919, and 42.1% were built before 1945.

The need for retrofitting properties in Stoke-on-Trent to increase energy efficiency is significant:

1. As of 2025, 23,300 homes in Stoke-on-Trent Central have an EPC rating lower than C, requiring improvements to meet the government’s 2035 target.
2. 24.7% of households in Stoke-on-Trent (approximately 28,215 homes) are experiencing fuel poverty, which is significantly higher than the national average of 13.1%.
3. The city has the highest percentage of households living in fuel poverty in England.

Specific information on improving energy efficiency in Stoke-on-Trent:

1. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has recently completed a major project to decarbonize 11 key public buildings, saving 7 million kWh of energy (equivalent to powering 2,400 homes for a year).
2. Cavity wall insulation funding is available for homeowners in Stoke-on-Trent, which can significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.
3. The city council has adopted a 2023-2028 Fuel Poverty Strategy, committing to providing help, advice, and support to struggling families and investing millions in improving energy efficiency of council-owned homes.

Stoke-on-Trent is dedicated to enhancing energy efficiency and lowering carbon emissions across all types of properties. These efforts aim to alleviate fuel poverty while supporting broader environmental sustainability goals.

• C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Stoke-on-Trent have an EPC rating of C or higher, making them relatively efficient but still capable of further improvements, such as solar panels or modern heating systems.
• D (average efficiency): The majority of properties in Stoke-on-Trent fall into band D, indicating they have standard insulation and heating systems but could benefit from efficiency upgrades.
• E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of homes have an E rating, meaning they have below-average energy efficiency, making them prime candidates for ECO4 funding.
• F-G (very poor efficiency): A minority of properties in Stoke-on-Trent are rated F or G, indicating very poor energy efficiency. These homes require significant upgrades to meet modern energy standards.

Many properties in Stoke-on-Trent are eligible for energy efficiency incentives because a property must have an EPC rating of D or lower to be eligible for government aid.

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.

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.