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
Refurbishment for net zero; the BSRIA white paper
The everyday practice of tackling energy efficiency, fabric first, ventilation, air quality, and occupant wellbeing.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.
Foundations for the Future: A new model for social housing
To create a social housing pipeline, that reduces the need for continuous government funding.
Mutual Investment Models or MIMs
PPP or PFI, enhanced for public interest by the Welsh Government.
Stress Awareness Week ends but employer legal duties continue.
A call to follow the five Rs for the business and for the staff.
Key points and relevance to construction of meeting, due to reconvene.
Cladding remediation programmes, transparency and target date.
National Audit Office issue report on cladding remediation.
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.