Over 30,000 homes in the UK are reportedly at risk of damp and mould due to improperly installed insulation under government schemes, according to recent disclosures from officials. This marks the first instance where exact figures on affected properties have been shared since the launch of the ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme in 2022.
Energy Consumer Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh characterized the situation as a “systemic failure.” Although some repairs have been made for affected households, those with concerns have been advised to reach out to Ofgem for assistance.
One resident, identified as Mohammed, reported that he is unable to sleep in his bedroom due to the presence of damp and mould caused by installation work intended to improve warmth in his home. He expressed frustration over ongoing promises of remediation that have not materialized since he first applied for insulation under the ECO4 scheme in 2023.
The installation was aimed at enhancing his late father’s comfort, given his chronic asthma condition. Instead, the issue has deteriorated the living conditions, contributing to health concerns. Mohammed is currently in discussions with his installer and Trustmark, the governing body overseeing insulation quality, as he seeks a resolution.
An audit prompted by a prior BBC report on insulation-related issues examined 60,000 properties, uncovering that over 30,000 had insulation installed below the required standards. The government has committed to identifying these poorly executed installations and ensuring remediation at no additional cost to homeowners.
While recent audits focus on homes insulated since 2022, the BBC noted that there are complaints about previous installations from as far back as 2021. Currently, residents are encouraged to contact Ofgem for guidance and support regarding their situations.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8606gp4711o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss