Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Manchester

Over the past 3 years, our team at Consumer Rights CIC have worked with residents of Manchester and Greater Manchester to help them not just reduce their energy bills but also help in the efforts in reducing the UK Carbon Emissions. 

With both ECO4, (supported by LA Flex) and The Great British Installation Scheme available to qualifying households, we are dedicated to helping the residents of Manchester and Greater Manchester access the funding they’re entitled to.

So how and why do we do this?

ECO4 and other such grants have been made available in order to aid the UK Government reach its target of Net Zero Emission. At Consumer Rights, we are dedicated to playing our part in this. In order to reach this target, all homes within the UK  must now fall into band D or above on the EPC Register.

Within the Manchester area, the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for homes is around 64.2, which falls into band D. This is slightly higher than the average for England and Wales. For private rental properties in Manchester, it’s mandatory to have an energy efficiency rating of at least band E on the EPC Register.

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

Customer Rights have actively been helping residents of Manchester and Greater Manchester to improve their property’s EPC rating by accessing these Government backed schemes such as  ECO4, as well as The Great British Installation Scheme.

These schemes are especially needed within the Manchester and Greater Manchester area. Manchester has a mix of housing types, with a significant proportion of them being older homes. 

Many of these properties were built before modern energy efficiency standards:

  • Pre-1919 homes: There is a substantial proportion of Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, which often have poor insulation and are energy inefficient.
  • Interwar and post-war homes: Properties built between the two World Wars (1920s-1930s) and in the mid-20th century may have better foundations but often still require retrofitting for modern energy standards.

EPC Ratings for Greater Manchester

  • C and above (good energy efficiency): It is estimated somewhere between a quarter and a third of homes in Greater Manchester have an EPC rating of a C, based on recent figures. These homes are considered energy-efficient but may still benefit from further upgrades like solar panels or modern heating systems. 
  • D (okay average efficiency): The most common group is an EPC rating of D. These homes tend to be older properties with standard insulation and heating systems but could be more energy-efficient with upgrades.
  • E (poor efficiency): A small percentage of properties in Greater Manchester have an E rating, meaning they have poor energy efficiency and likely face higher energy bills. Many homes in this category are pre-1919 terraced houses with solid walls and outdated heating systems.
  • F-G (very poor efficiency): The least common group of properties, have an F or G rating, indicating very poor energy efficiency. These homes typically require significant upgrades to meet modern energy standards.

To be eligible for government funding, a property must have an EPC rating of D or below, meaning many properties in Greater Manchester already meet the first qualifying criterion.

Greater Manchester has a high proportion of lower-income households, for whom the cost of energy bills can be a heavy burden. According to Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), there are around 350,000 residents in fuel poverty in the region.

Consumer Rights are here to assist you in gaining access to The ECO4 Scheme, we manage a Network of Government Approved Installers to carry out any home improvements that may be required to bring you homes energy efficient.

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 in Manchester

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.

    Useful Resources: 

    1. ECO Funding: 
    2. What is LA Flex?
    3. Eligibility Criteria
    4. ECO4 Scheme for Landlords
    5. What is a retrofit assessor?
    6. Check your EPC Rating
    7. Choosing the Right ECO4 Installer
    8. Who Can Apply For An ECO Grant?
    9. How To Apply For An ECO Grant