‘Serious and systemic’ problems found in detached homes
According to the Energy Consumer Minister, serious and systemic problems have been found in houses insulated under government schemes.
An audit of homes that have external wall insulation from 2022 found “widespread cases of poor quality installations that did not meet the required standard”, Miata Fahnbulle told parliament.
He said 39 businesses have now been suspended from government schemes as a result of poor quality work.
Solid wall insulation is set to be installed in around 65,000 homes in the UK by 2022 under two government schemes – ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Homes that have had external wall insulation fitted under the schemes will be contacted by the energy regulator Ofgem, the repair work will be overseen by the regulator and the cost will be borne by the installers, the minister said.
The audit, which was carried out by the independent organization Trustmark, found problems ranging from missing or incomplete paperwork to more serious problems such as exposed insulation and poor ventilation, which, if not fixed, could lead to dampness and mould. In some cases, serious health and safety concerns were raised such as wires not fitting properly.
Last year the BBC highlighted the case of Tormuja Khatoon, whose Luton home has been destroyed by black mould. Mushroom and dry rot after poor installation of exterior wall insulation. Her family told the BBC they had been warned repairs could cost more than £100,000 and described the situation as a “nightmare”.
Overall, more than three million homes have been insulated under government schemes The BBC reported last year that thousands of them could be insulated It was not installed to the required standard.
A growing number of MPs are concerned about the impact of poorly installed insulation on their constituents, while Citizens Advice has called on the Government to “urgently fix” the regulation of this sector.
In a statement to the House of Commons, Fahnbulla said: ”The government is moving quickly to protect homes. But I have to be honest with the House – these issues are the result of years of failure in a system that should be reformed.
“I know this will be worrying for families who have had solid wall insulation installed through these schemes. Resolving this is our number one priority. We are determined to ensure that families like this can then Never be disappointed.”
But some MPs expressed their concern that the Government did not announce a review of other insulation schemes, such as cavity wall insulation and spray foam insulation.
Fanbulleh said audits of other forms of insulation have not shown the “systemic failure” found with solid wall installations.
The minister’s statement was welcomed by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), which is calling for a national expert advice service in England to provide impartial, tailored advice to all households.
“It is equally important that steps are taken now to strengthen consumer protection and support, to ensure households have confidence when upgrading their homes,” said Stu Horn, head of policy at EST.
