For the past 3 years, our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been dedicated to helping residents of Brighton & Hove and the surrounding areas reduce their energy bills while contributing to the UK’s carbon reduction goals.

With funding available through ECO4 (supported by LA Flex) and The Great British Insulation Scheme, we are committed to ensuring eligible households can access the support they deserve.

Why and How Do We Do This?

ECO4 and similar grants have been introduced to support the UK Government’s goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions. At Consumer Rights CIC, we are committed to contributing to this effort by helping households improve their energy efficiency.

In Brighton & Hove, the average EPC rating is around 64.2, placing most homes within band D—slightly above the national average for England and Wales.

For private rental properties, landlords are legally required to maintain a minimum energy efficiency rating of band E. Properties rated F or G cannot be rented out unless a valid exemption applies.

At Consumer Rights CIC, we have been actively supporting residents in Brighton & Hove by helping them improve their EPC ratings through government-backed schemes such as ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme.

The Need for Energy Efficiency in Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove has a diverse range of housing types, with a large number of older properties. Many of these homes were built before modern energy efficiency standards:

  • Pre-1919 homes: A significant number of Brighton & Hove’s homes are Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which often have poor insulation and high energy inefficiency.
  • Interwar and post-war homes: Many properties built between the 1920s and the mid-20th century may have better foundations but still require retrofitting to meet modern energy standards.

EPC Ratings in Brighton & Hove

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): It is estimated that between a quarter and a third of homes in Brighton & Hove have an EPC rating of C, meaning they are relatively energy-efficient but may still benefit from upgrades like solar panels or modern heating systems.
  • D (average efficiency): The most common EPC rating in the area, these homes typically have basic insulation and heating systems but could be significantly improved with energy-efficient upgrades.
  • E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of homes in Brighton & Hove have an E rating, often older properties with solid walls and outdated heating systems, leading to high energy costs.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): The least common, but most problematic category, these homes require significant improvements to meet energy efficiency standards.

To be eligible for government funding, a property must have an EPC rating of D or below. Many properties in Brighton & Hove already meet this first qualifying criterion.

Supporting Lower-Income Households

Brighton & Hove has a high proportion of lower-income households, for whom energy bills can be a significant burden. According to local authorities, thousands of residents in the area experience fuel poverty, struggling to afford adequate heating for their homes.

Consumer Rights is here to help you access the ECO4 scheme. We manage a network of government-approved installers to carry out the necessary home improvements to make your property more energy-efficient.

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

Consumer Rights is here to help 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 might qualify for funding, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team has plenty of experience and would be happy to help you with any questions you have.