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In summary
Consumer Rights – Helping People – Helping Truro
Our team at Consumer Rights CIC has spent recent years helping people in Cornwall and Truro reduce their energy costs while also helping the UK achieve its carbon emission reduction targets.
We are dedicated to making sure Truro people can receive the funds that they are eligible for, with ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, supported by LA Flex, accessible to eligible homes.
So How and Why Do We Do This?
To help the UK government reach its goal of Net Zero emissions, the ECO4 program and other government-backed awards have been launched. We at Consumer Rights are fully dedicated to contributing to this goal.
The average energy efficiency score for homes in England is 60, or Band D. To adhere to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), private rental properties in Truro and across England must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least Band E.
Without a valid exemption listed on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register, properties with ratings of F or G are illegal to rent out. If a landlord violates MEES, they could be fined up to £5,000. These rules must be enforced by the local government. In an effort to increase energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions, the UK government intends to raise the minimum EPC rating for rental homes to Band C by 2030. This reform will have a big effect on Truro landlords and could save tenants an average of £240 a year.
Properties rated F or G may not be legally rented out, unless there is a valid exemption.
Truro offers diverse housing options, ranging from historic terraced cottages and period townhouses to modern apartments and new-build homes. Semi-detached houses are particularly popular, especially in urban and semi-rural areas. Apartments comprise 53% of the housing stock, while single-detached homes account for 41%.
Ongoing development aims to meet housing demand while preserving Truro’s traditional aesthetic. However, older homes and rural properties often lack energy efficiency, prompting government-backed initiatives to improve insulation and heating systems.
The need for retrofitting properties in Truro to increase energy efficiency is significant, as many homes in the area have poor energy ratings and could benefit from improvements. Key points include:
Housing stock challenges:
- 26% (around 11,000 homes) could benefit from cavity wall insulation
- 23% (around 10,000 homes) could improve loft insulation
- 59% (around 24,000 homes) could upgrade to more efficient heating systems
- Over 40% of homes are not connected to mains gas, making energy costs higher
Fuel poverty:
- In Truro and Falmouth, 4,075 children (26%) were living in poverty as of 2021/22
These initiatives aim to address the significant potential for energy efficiency improvements in Truro’s housing stock, helping to reduce fuel poverty and improve living conditions for residents.
EPC Ratings in Truro
- C and above (good energy efficiency): An estimated 30-35% of homes in Truro have an EPC rating of C or higher, meaning they are relatively efficient but may still benefit from further improvements, such as solar panels or heat pumps.
- D (average efficiency): The most common EPC rating in Truro is band D, meaning these homes could become more energy-efficient with insulation and heating system upgrades.
- E (poor efficiency): A smaller proportion of homes fall into band E, meaning they have higher energy costs and are less efficient, making them eligible for funding through ECO4 and other grants.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): A minority of properties in Truro are rated F or G, meaning they have significantly poor energy efficiency and require major upgrades to meet modern energy standards.
Many homes in Truro are eligible for energy efficiency grants, due to the fact that a property must have an EPC rating of D or below to qualify for government funding.
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.