Summary
A UK government scheme designed to improve home energy efficiency through insulation has resulted in poor-quality installations in tens of thousands of homes. Many of these homes now need repairs to prevent issues like damp and mould. The National Audit Office (NAO) found that the program had significant problems, including poor oversight and reports of fraud.
Key Facts
- A government scheme to insulate homes led to problems in about 98% of homes with external wall insulation.
- Around 29% of homes with internal wall insulation also require repairs.
- The Energy Consumer Minister stated that repairs will be done at no cost to homeowners.
- The NAO identified failures in the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, including poor-quality work and fraud.
- Up to 23,000 homes with external insulation and 13,000 with internal insulation are affected.
- A small percentage of installations pose immediate safety risks, such as exposed electrical wiring.
- Criticism was directed at TrustMark for weak oversight of quality and auditing.
- Ofgem estimated fraud in ECO installation claims could be worth up to £165 million.
