What agents and landlords need to know
In response to these findings, the UK Government has mandated that the responsible installers fund all necessary repairs, ensuring that affected property owners do not have to pay for remediation.
Energy regulator Ofgem is overseeing the remediation process and has begun notifying impacted households. Qualified professionals will assess each installation and, if issues are identified, the relevant certification body or TrustMark will coordinate the repairs.
Ofgem will write to the address of the property where the work was done. Agents and landlords should ask tenants to pass on the letter when it arrives and make them aware that they may need to allow access for checks and further works in line with their tenancy agreement.
Warning against disreputable spray foam installers
Homeowners are surrounded by messages about the urgency of taking green measures in their properties, and insulation should be a high priority. However, mortgage lenders are increasingly taking a zero-tolerance approach to spray foam insulation and are declining applications.
Identified issues and potential risks
The installations contain a range of issues including
- incomplete or missing documentation
- insufficient ventilation
- missing or exposed insulation
If left unaddressed, these issues could lead to dampness and mould, posing health risks to residents. While serious, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero believes these problems do not constitute a widespread safety threat.
Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, MP, stated that the UK Government is aware of the concerns these issues may raise and emphasised the immediate steps being taken to rectify the situation.
Regulatory system overhaul
The root causes of these issues come from failures in the existing regulatory framework. The current system is fragmented, leaving consumers vulnerable to substandard practices. To address this, ministers have committed to implementing comprehensive reforms through the Warm Homes Plan. This initiative aims to overhaul the regulatory landscape, enhancing the certification processes for installers and establishing clear avenues for homeowners to seek redress when issues arise.
Propertymark's campaign work
We have been actively campaigning for higher standards and stronger consumer protection within the energy efficiency sector. Recognising the challenges faced by homeowners, Propertymark has consistently advocated for clearer regulations, better oversight of installation companies, and improved accountability measures.
Energy efficiency
The UK housing stock is amongst the least energy efficient in Europe and the Committee on Climate Change says that energy use in homes accounts for about 14 per cent of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Non-domestic buildings account for around one-third of UK emissions from the building stock.
Concerns about similar schemes
The UK Government has given assurances that the issues uncovered are specific to solid wall insulation installed under the Energy Company Obligation 4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme. Other energy efficiency programs delivered through local authorities and social housing providers are subject to more robust checks.
