Help for Social Housing Landlords: ECO4 Programme Overview

Social housing landlords can benefit significantly from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, particularly through the ECO4 phase, which aims to enhance energy efficiency in the least energy-efficient homes across the UK. Here’s an overview of how social housing landlords can leverage ECO4 to improve their housing stock:

Overview of ECO4 Scheme

• Program Objective: ECO4 is the fourth phase of the ECO programme, succeeding ECO3, with a focus on promoting a whole-house approach to energy efficiency. It targets low-income households and vulnerable individuals, aiming to reduce energy bills and improve living conditions through comprehensive energy-saving measures.

• Supported Measures: ECO4 covers various energy-efficient upgrades, including:

  • Insulation: Internal, external, underfloor, loft, and room-in-roof insulation.
  • Heating Systems: Air source heat pumps, biomass boilers, and other renewable heating technologies.
  • Smart Controls: Advanced heating management systems that allow remote control via smartphones or other devices.

• Financial Support: The programme provides substantial financial support for these measures, enabling social housing providers to upgrade their properties without bearing the full cost. This includes funding for installation and material costs associated with eligible upgrades.

Eligibility Criteria for Social Housing Tenants

• Qualifying Benefits: Tenants living in social housing units with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F, or G are eligible if they receive one of the following benefits:

  • Income based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
  • Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support (IS)
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (PCGC)
  • Working Tax Credit (WTC)
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC)
  • Universal Credit (UC)
  • Housing Benefit
  • Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
  • Child Benefit (within income caps)

• Application Process: EcoVille assists in pre-qualifying homes based on EPC ratings and coordinating with contractors to maximize the installation of energy-saving measures. They facilitate the collection of necessary documentation from tenants to ensure eligibility for the programme.

Implementation and Benefits

• Fabric-First Approach: ECO4 prioritizes improving the fabric of buildings (insulation) before considering further enhancements like heating system upgrades. This approach ensures energy efficiency gains are maximized from the outset.

• Long-term Savings and Benefits: By participating in ECO4, social housing landlords can reduce energy costs for tenants, improve property values, and contribute to environmental sustainability through lower carbon emissions.

• Legal and Compliance Considerations: The programme supports compliance with legal obligations related to energy efficiency improvements in social housing, helping landlords avoid enforcement actions and penalties for inadequate property maintenance.

Conclusion

ECO4 presents a crucial opportunity for social housing landlords to enhance the energy efficiency of their properties while benefiting from substantial financial support. By improving insulation, upgrading heating systems, and implementing smart controls, landlords can significantly reduce energy costs for tenants and improve living standards. It is essential for social housing providers to engage promptly to leverage ECO4 funding within the programme's designated timeframe.

For detailed guidance on eligibility criteria and application procedures, landlords can visit the Ofgem Eco website.

This summary provides social housing landlords with comprehensive information on how they can benefit from participating in the ECO4 programme, emphasizing its role in improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing tenant living conditions through government-supported initiatives.