A National Audit Office (NAO) report has raised concerns about a government scheme designed to improve energy efficiency in homes through insulation, identifying significant issues with the implementation. The scheme reportedly resulted in 98% of homes with external wall insulation experiencing issues that may lead to damp and mold. In addition, approximately 29% of residences with internal insulation are also in need of repairs.
The government has acknowledged the findings, with Energy Consumer Minister Martin McCluskey asserting that steps are being taken to remedy the situation at no cost to the affected homeowners. He pointed out that the initiative aimed to assist those in poorly insulated homes, particularly individuals receiving benefits.
One affected resident, Mohammed Mahedi, expressed his distress over the consequences of the insulation installed in his home, which he describes as causing respiratory issues. He continues to seek resolution for the problems stemming from the insulation work performed two years ago.
The NAO’s analysis indicates serious design flaws within the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, which was intended to facilitate insulation efforts by energy companies through funding sourced from energy bill levies. Issues like compromised installations and alleged fraudulent activity have been highlighted. The report points to an “under-skilled workforce” and standardization uncertainties as contributing factors to the installation failures, with estimates indicating that between 22,000 and 23,000 homes with external insulation and up to 13,000 with internal insulation require attention.
The report also criticized TrustMark, a consumer protection organization, for its inadequate oversight of the insulation programs. Significant discrepancies in claims have been flagged, with an estimate suggesting that funds between £56 million and £165 million may have been improperly claimed for up to 16,500 installations.
Looking forward, the NAO emphasizes the importance of reforming the existing oversight mechanisms to prevent such issues from recurring, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been tasked with ensuring that all affected homes are repaired swiftly.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w965gz8zgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss