Consumer Rights – Helping People – Helping Sunderland

For the past few years, our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been working with residents in Sunderland to help them reduce their energy bills while also contributing to the UK’s carbon reduction initiatives.

With the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4, which are supported by LA Flex and available to eligible homes, we are committed to making sure Sunderland residents can get the funds that they are entitled to.

So How and Why Do We Do This?

The ECO4 program and other government-funded schemes have been implemented to assist the UK government in reaching its goal of Net Zero emissions. We at Consumer Rights are dedicated to contributing to this effort. 

44% of Sunderland properties have an EPC rating of C or above, exceeding the national average. However, 27,100 homes still fall below band C and require improvement to meet the 2035 government target.  Landlords in Sunderland, as in the rest of England, must meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), requiring a minimum EPC rating of band E for private rental properties.

Properties rated F or G cannot be legally rented unless a valid exemption is registered on the PRS Exemptions Register. To further reduce carbon emissions and improve housing efficiency, the UK Government plans to raise the minimum EPC rating for rental properties to band C by 2030. This change will significantly impact Sunderland, where numerous properties still need upgrades to meet these new standards.

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

  1. 27,100 homes in Sunderland Central have an EPC rating lower than C, requiring improvements to meet the government’s 2035 target.
  2. To achieve the EPC C target for all homes by 2030, approximately 3,900 homes need to be improved each year.
  3. An estimated investment of £203.25 million is required by 2030 to get all homes up to EPC C standard, averaging £29.0 million per year.

Regarding fuel poverty in Sunderland:

  1. As of 2023, 8,500 households (18.8%) in Sunderland Central are in fuel poverty using the government’s low-income, low energy efficiency indicator.
  2. Using a broader measure of fuel poverty (households spending over 10% of disposable income on adequate heating), 29,700 households (65.5%) in Sunderland Central are affected.

Specific information on improving energy efficiency in Sunderland:

  1. 6,877 households in Sunderland Central received assistance with energy efficiency measures through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) program from its inception to the end of 2022.

This demonstrates Sunderland’s commitment to improving energy efficiency across various property types, addressing both fuel poverty and carbon reduction goals.

EPC Ratings in Sunderland 

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): An estimated 30-35% of homes in Sunderland have an EPC rating of C or higher, meaning they are relatively energy-efficient but could still benefit from further improvements, such as solar panels or modern heating systems.
  • D (average efficiency): The majority of homes in Sunderland fall into band D, indicating they have average energy performance but could benefit from insulation or heating upgrades.
  • E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of homes are rated E, meaning they have poor energy efficiency and are likely to face higher energy bills, making them eligible for ECO4 funding.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): A minority of properties are rated F or G, indicating very poor energy efficiency. These homes require major upgrades to meet modern standards.

Due to a government financing requirement that a property have an EPC rating of D or lower, several Sunderland residences meet this first criterion.

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 touch. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to advise you further.