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
The act of preservation may sometimes be futile.
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.