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
Consumer Rights – Helping People – Helping Salisbury
Residents of Salisbury are working together with Consumer Rights CIC to reduce their carbon footprint and energy expenses.
Salisbury residents can access funding for insulation through ECO4 and The Great British Insulation Scheme, both backed by LA Flex.
We can help you determine your eligibility for these programs.
So How and Why Do We Do This?
The UK government has launched the ECO4 program and other government-backed awards to help reach its Net Zero emissions goal. Consumer Rights is committed to supporting this goal and help Salisbury households become more energy-efficient.
In Salisbury, the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is 65.0, placing it in band D but slightly above the national average for England and Wales. Notably, Salisbury’s housing stock is more energy-efficient than the national average, with a higher proportion of homes rated C or above.
For private rental properties in Salisbury, compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) is mandatory, requiring a minimum EPC rating of band E. Properties with ratings F or G cannot be legally rented unless they have a valid exemption registered on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register.
The UK Government aims to enhance energy efficiency further by raising the minimum EPC requirement for rental properties to band C by 2030, as part of its broader strategy to improve housing energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This initiative is designed to address fuel poverty and ensure that rental properties meet higher energy standards.
Properties rated F or G may not be legally rented out, unless there is a valid exemption.
Salisbury offers diverse housing options, with a mix of property types and ages. The housing market includes period properties, such as Grade II listed houses, and newer builds, with recent developments introducing additional homes to meet growing demand.
Semi-detached and terraced homes are most common, making up 57.1% of the total stock, especially in central areas and suburban neighborhoods. Flats are also more prevalent in Salisbury compared to the wider Wiltshire area.
The city’s housing landscape is constantly evolving, with ongoing initiatives focused on addressing local housing needs and improving energy efficiency across various property types.
The need for retrofitting properties in Salisbury to increase energy efficiency is significant:
- Salisbury’s housing stock, while slightly more energy-efficient than the national average, still has room for improvement. About 31.3% of properties are rated below EPC C.
- The diverse housing stock, including older and historic properties, presents unique challenges for energy efficiency improvements.
Regarding fuel poverty in Salisbury:
As of 2020, 10% of households in Wiltshire were living in fuel poverty. While specific data for Salisbury is not provided, it’s likely to be similar to the county average. However, this percentage may have increased since 2020 due to rising energy costs.
The council is implementing various measures, including:
- Energy efficiency improvements like wall and loft insulation
- Low-carbon heating technologies such as heat pumps
- Renewable technologies like solar PV
- Smart measures such as smart heating controls
From April to December 2023, the council carried out various improvements across its housing stock, including:
- 83 new Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems
- 45 new smart hot water cylinders + solar diverters
- 7 new Air Source Heat Pumps
- 9 new cavity wall insulation installations
- 5 new Loft Insulation installations
EPC Ratings in Salisbury
- C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Salisbury have an EPC rating of C or higher, indicating they are relatively energy-efficient but may still benefit from further upgrades such as solar panels or modern heating systems.
- D (average efficiency): The majority of properties in Salisbury fall into band D, with standard insulation and conventional heating systems. These homes are eligible for ECO4 grants and could become more efficient with upgrades.
- E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of properties in Salisbury have an E rating, meaning they have poor energy efficiency and higher energy bills. Many homes in this category qualify for government funding.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): The least efficient homes, rated F or G, require significant upgrades to meet modern energy standards. These properties are prioritised for ECO4 funding.
A property must have an EPC rating of D or lower in order to be eligible for government funding, which means that many Salisbury homes qualify for energy efficiency awards.
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.