It is important to understand that the ECO4 scheme (which LA Flex is part of) is primarily a way for the government to alleviate fuel poverty by supporting those households with access to funding, to reduce their energy bills whilst also reducing carbon emissions. This is all part of the government’s strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions, whilst also helping those with the greatest need for support.
Typically, if you spend more than 10% of your income on energy bills, this is classified as being in fuel poverty. Because of this, there are numerous ways to access ECO4 funding so have a look at the below criteria and see if any of these apply to you.
Your Household must satisfy one of the following 4 conditions:
3. You are referred to your Local Authority by the NHS because you could be severely impacted by living in a cold home. The conditions which normally apply are respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, limited mobility or immune-suppressed conditions.
4.This is a wide ranging option which allows Local Authorities to devise their own scheme to target a high proportion of households suffering from fuel poverty. Your Local Authority would need to submit their proposals to the Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for approval.
If you have answered yes to any of the above you may qualify for Supplier Flex funding.
The scheme is part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) which was passed in Parliament in 2012 and runs until 2026. Funded by the UK’s largest utility companies, the scheme is part of the Home Heating Carbon Reduction Obligation (HHRCO) and contributes to the UK’s carbon reduction targets and keeps it free for qualifying households. The Local Authority ECO Flex element of the scheme aims to provide low income families (either homeowners or private renters) with free energy efficiency measures, with the overarching aim to reduce fuel poverty amongst low-income households. This is done by ensuring that heat is generated as efficiently as possible and is prevented from escaping from the home.
* Please note that as each Local Authority has to sign off your application, we may have to provide evidence of your income and councils generally want to see your latest 3 bank statements.
This route could be used where a householder has a severe and / or long term health condition which could be severely affected by living in a cold home.
The conditions which would be included are cardiovascular, respiratory, limited mobility or immunosuppressed conditions.
This option has been added to help those householders who may be in receipt of disability living allowance or PIP.
You will need to provide evidence to support your claim
Please contact us, your local authority or energy provider for more help and information with your application.
As the scheme has had a delay, the councils and energy suppliers are still finalising the details for flex funding. Suppliers are assuring us that funding will be available by March so we are working towards that date, it may happen earlier.
Some local authorities have tentatively started approving properties, but it is still early days. We will keep our customers updated with any changes.