ECO+ scheme announcement and consultation
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 28 November 2022, Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps launched a government push to help millions of people across the country bring down their energy costs. This is part of plans to deliver a new energy demand reduction target which was announced in the Autumn Statement, reducing energy demand by 15% by 2030.
[edit] Plans announced
Under the plans announced, the new ECO+ scheme will extend support to those not currently benefitting from any other government support to upgrade thier homes. In addition to the existing £6.6 billion ‘Help to Heat’ energy schemes this new £1 billion funding will ensure hundreds of thousands more households benefit from new home insulation and with that, lower bills.
A new £18 million public information campaign will also offer technical tips and advice for people to cut their energy use, while keeping warm.
Of the £1 billion funding available through the new ECO+ scheme, around 80% will be made available for those households who are in some of the least energy-efficient homes in the country – that is, those with an EPC rating of D or below – and in the lower Council Tax bands.
This is on top of £6.6 billion of existing spend in this parliament through Help to Heat schemes including the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Home Upgrade Grant and Local Authority Delivery Scheme.
[edit] Consultation
The UK Government intends to lay necessary legislation for the scheme to launch in spring 20223 and run until March 2026. However, the government also plans to work with energy suppliers to explore the potential for some earlier delivery in 2023. The consultation will ran from 28 November to 23 December 2022.
[edit] ECO+
The existing ECO scheme (known as ECO4) is targeted at those who need support most; those in social housing, on a low-income or fuel poor. However, with the significant increase in energy bills, the government intends that up to 80% of ECO+ will help a wider customer base who are currently not eligible for support under existing government-backed energy efficiency schemes.
[edit] Further information
For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-joins-with-households-to-help-millions-reduce-their-energy-bills
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.