The English government's Warm Homes Plan "must avoid the geographic inequalities of previous programmes"

First reported	Story	Sources
9 Sep 2026	The market-led approach taken by the former Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme produced stark geographic inequalities, with a clear north-south divide. Research by Repowering London and charity possible, published in September, also found that the scheme was too complex and poorly communicated, while funding and delivery were inconsistent and accountability and consumer protections were weak. The research also found that, while public appetite for home upgrades is high, awareness of government funding schemes is low. The report proposed: Introducing caseworkers or one-stop shop models to ensure end-to-end support, working alongside health and social care organisations to enhance support for vulnerable households, and improving protections for tenants Equipping local authorities to lead by providing funding and support across the country, providing assistance to local installers and SMEs (including reducing administrative burdens), and harnessing existing knowledge and data for local referral networks Designing schemes for long-term success, by providing stable funding, simpler eligibility, clear and effective public communications, and flexible, property-focused delivery.	IH 98631

First reported

Story

Sources

9 Sep 2026

The market-led approach taken by the former Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme produced stark geographic inequalities, with a clear north-south divide. Research by Repowering London and charity possible, published in September, also found that the scheme was too complex and poorly communicated, while funding and delivery were inconsistent and accountability and consumer protections were weak. The research also found that, while public appetite for home upgrades is high, awareness of government funding schemes is low. The report proposed:

Introducing caseworkers or one-stop shop models to ensure end-to-end support, working alongside health and social care organisations to enhance support for vulnerable households, and improving protections for tenants
Equipping local authorities to lead by providing funding and support across the country, providing assistance to local installers and SMEs (including reducing administrative burdens), and harnessing existing knowledge and data for local referral networks
Designing schemes for long-term success, by providing stable funding, simpler eligibility, clear and effective public communications, and flexible, property-focused delivery.

IH 98631