Insulation
The Council do not currently have any funding available for insulation of homes in Sefton. However, there are some external schemes available which you may be eligible for, especially if you have a low income or a health condition made worse by living in cold conditions.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government energy-efficiency scheme, designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. It requires Energy Companies to deliver energy efficiency improvements to those at risk of fuel poverty. The ECO4 scheme will run until 31 March 2026.
There are two parts to ECO4 –
1. The first is the general ECO4 (Help to Heat Group) where residents on a means tested benefit and qualifying EPC Band (the energy efficiency rating of your home) can apply.
You can apply for this direct with your energy supplier or via an installer. The Council are not involved in this part of ECO4. More information about this element is available on the Ofgem website https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-and-social-schemes/energy-company-obligation-eco/homeowners-and-tenants/faqs-domestic-consumers-and-landlords
2. The second part to this funding is the ECO4 Flex route. This is for residents who are not on means tested benefits but are still classed as low income or vulnerable. Sefton Council can authorise a Flex application. Sefton accepts applications from -
- Households who have an income of under £31,000 a year (gross) and an EPC Band D – G for homeowners or Band E – G for private renters.
- A resident has a health condition (a cardiovascular condition; a respiratory disease; limited mobility; immunosuppression) and EPC band D-G. Income is irrelevant for this route.
- If you think you are eligible, you do not apply for this funding direct to the Council. Instead you need to go via one of our four Sefton Council approved installers (contact details in the link here) – ECOGEE, Next Energy, Bartons of Duke St or Broad Oak.
- You will be asked for income proof or a GP letter. Once eligibility has been proven, the installer would need to do a site survey and see how much funding may be available to you. If the funding is enough to cover the work the installer will then manage the installation process. The Council is only involved at the Application Stage and not directly with the resident.
More information about ECO4 and the Council’s Statement of Intent can be found using the weblink below.
Energy Company Obligation Flexible Eligibility (sefton.gov.uk)
Great British Insulation Scheme
The Government recently launched a new insulation programme called the Great British Insulation Scheme. The details of the scheme are still being worked through by installers, the Council and Ofgem. We will update this page when we know more.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-great-british-insulation-scheme
Home Upgrade Grant 2
There is funding currently available for properties which do not have gas central heating to have measures such as Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV or insulation installed as part of the Liverpool City Region HUG2 programme.
To be eligible your home must be classed as energy in-efficient and you must be on a low income.
For more information and to apply please see the website link below.
https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/home-upgrade-grant-two