Warm Homes Plan
In January, government launched its £15 billion Warm Homes Plan which aims to make millions of UK homes warmer and more energy-efficient by 2030. The plan will offer free energy-saving upgrades to low-income households and low-cost financing for others.
The plan focuses on installing insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and batteries, potentially saving households up to £1,000 on annual energy bills. For households in England on a low income, receiving benefits, or spending a high percentage of income on energy, and where the Energy Performance Certificate is D or lower, they may qualify for fully funded, tailored upgrades including insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. The plan also introduces low- or zero-interest loans for homeowners to pay for green energy improvements over time.
In England & Wales, the Private Rented Sector Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) has been put in place to improve energy standards for rented homes, helping renters with warmer, more efficient properties. MEES applies to all rented properties and makes it unlawful to rent out properties rated F or G with fines up to £5,000. There are some exemptions to this, for example where improvements will cost more than £3,500 or fail a seven-year payback test.
Social Housing Providers
A few days later, the government announced a series of measures to give new funding and financial flexibilities to social and affordable housing providers. This included introducing a series of funding and loans available, to support private registered providers of social housing to build more homes.
These announcements link to the government’s, Social and Affordable Housing Renewal, which announced a range of measures to ensure safe, affordable housing for all.
We welcome this action by Government to tackle damp and mould in homes. Our members have seen a significant increase in calls to properties affected by dampness in recent years. Dampness and mould can have implications for the health and wellbeing of those who live in these conditions. Trying to reside in a home affected by excessive moisture can exacerbate respiratory illness, affect mental health, dimmish comfort and increase the cost of heating.
A number of factors are contributing to the rising trend, predominately linked with modern living, and the cost of fuel.
High occupancy rates, as well as efforts to reduce draughts and the amount of fuel and heat used in homes are compounded by the effects of climate change and poor insulation, all of which contribute to condensation and mould problems.
The frequency of problems associated with damp and mould from indoor air could still be set to get worse however, with unseen and as yet underestimated problems being created due to these new pressures on properties.
If carried through effectively, these actions from Government will hopefully be a turning point in addressing that, but it is vital work is carried out by professionals with expertise in this area, such as PCA members.
