ECO4 has closed to new applications — here's the help you can get now
ECO4 grants are no longer available. See the grants and funding you can get now.
In summary
Customer Rights – Helping People – Helping Rhondda Cynon Taff
Over the past few years, our team at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting residents in Rhondda Cynon Taff, helping them reduce their energy expenses while also contributing to the UK’s goal of cutting carbon emissions.
With ECO4 and The Great British Installation Scheme, backed by LA Flex, available to qualifying households, we are dedicated to assisting residents of Rhondda Cynon Taff in securing the funding they deserve.
So how and why do we do this?
ECO4 and other government-backed grants have been launched to support the UK Government in reaching its Net Zero emissions target. At Consumer Rights, we are dedicated to aiding this effort.
In the Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) area, the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for homes falls within band D, which is in line with the typical rating for properties across Wales. This suggests that many homes in the region could benefit from energy efficiency improvements. For private rental properties in RCT, current regulations require a minimum energy efficiency rating of band E on the EPC Register.
Properties rated F or G may not be legally rented out, unless there is a valid exemption.
Consumer Rights has been actively supporting residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) in improving their property’s EPC rating by helping them access government-backed schemes such as ECO4, and GBIS.
These schemes are particularly important for RCT due to its housing stock:
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s housing stock is characterised by a significant proportion of older properties with poor energy efficiency. The area has a mix of property types, including semi-detached and terraced houses, many of which were built during the industrial era to house workers. This older housing stock presents challenges for retrofitting, as these properties often require extensive upgrades to improve their energy performance.
The prevalence of fuel poverty in Rhondda Cynon Taf is significant, although exact current figures are not provided in the search results. However, the council has outlined ambitious goals to address this issue, including retrofitting approximately 62,000 homes by 2050. The plan also aims to install 80,000 heat pumps and significantly increase renewable energy capacity, including rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV. The council is focusing on whole-building retrofits to enhance energy efficiency and transition away from fossil fuel-intensive heating systems.
EPC Ratings for Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT)
- C and above (good energy efficiency): Approximately 27% of homes in RCT have an EPC rating of C or above. While these properties are considered energy-efficient, they may still benefit from further upgrades such as solar panels or modern heating systems to improve their performance.
- D (okay average efficiency): The most common EPC rating in RCT is D. A significant proportion of homes fall into this category, with many being older properties that have standard insulation and heating systems but could become more energy-efficient with targeted improvements.
- E (poor efficiency): A substantial number of properties in RCT have an E rating, indicating poor energy efficiency and likely higher energy bills. Many homes in this category may be older properties with inadequate insulation and outdated heating systems, requiring upgrades to meet modern standards.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): While specific percentages are not provided, some properties in RCT fall into the F or G categories, indicating very poor energy efficiency. These homes typically require significant upgrades to meet current energy standards and are likely to face the highest energy bills.
In order to qualify for government funding through schemes like ECO4, a property must have an EPC rating of D or lower. In Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), around 73% of homes fall into this category, meaning a large portion of properties in the area already meet the primary eligibility requirement for energy efficiency improvement programs.
How local authority support works
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 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.