Homeowners in the UK have raised concerns about the impact of faulty insulation installed under government schemes that began in 2013. These individuals, primarily from low-income backgrounds, report living in mold-infested conditions and are calling for broader investigations into the issues related to insulation that has allegedly led to health problems and property damage. Approximately 280,000 properties received free insulation, funded by taxpayer money, but recent revelations indicate that 92% of external wall insulation installations in the last three years exhibit significant defects.
The government’s stance is that systemic issues mainly affect installations made after 2022, but it has not clarified why it is not expanding investigations to earlier installations. Labour MP Imran Hussain has urged the government to thoroughly examine all the insulation work completed since the inception of these schemes. Reportedly, serious concerns about the quality of insulation projects date back at least a decade.
In Fishwick, Lancashire, a project from 2013 has been described as a notable failure. Residents, including 72-year-old Bushra Rashid, have experienced ongoing issues with dampness and mold in their homes. The insulation process was intended to improve energy efficiency but instead resulted in trapped moisture that has damaged structures and affected health. Complaints regarding the project began before its completion, but the council’s response was limited.
The situation raises questions about accountability and oversight. Several inhabitants believe that the councils, government, and energy companies must share responsibility for the poor implementations. A 2019 report indicated deficiencies across all properties in the Fishwick project due to inadequate design and installation. Despite partial repairs funded by initiatives like the National Energy Action (NEA), concerns persist about the safety of homes affected by these schemes.
As uncertainties remain about the extent of similar issues in other areas, residents like Tasneem Hussain and Jean Liddle have voiced their struggle for assistance and accountability, stressing that the government and supporting agencies have not adequately addressed their ongoing health and housing challenges.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8g3018krro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss