ECO4 has closed to new applications — here's the help you can get now
ECO4 grants are no longer available. See the grants and funding you can get now.
In summary
Consumer Rights – Helping People – Helping Southampton
Our staff at Consumer Rights CIC has been assisting Southampton residents in lowering their energy costs over the last few years, all the while supporting the UK’s efforts to cut carbon emissions.
With ECO4, and the Great British Insulation Scheme, supported by LA Flex are accessible to qualifying families, we are committed to assisting Southampton residents in obtaining the funding they are entitled to.
So How and Why Do We Do This?
The UK Government has launched several grant programs, including the ECO4 scheme, to help the UK reach its Net Zero emissions target.
Consumer Rights is proud to support this initiative by helping Southampton residents improve their home’s energy efficiency.
In Southampton, a substantial number of homes—approximately 21,000—have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating below C, indicating a need for energy efficiency upgrades to meet future targets. While Southampton performs relatively well in terms of homes rated C, with a higher proportion than many areas, there is still a significant challenge in improving the energy efficiency of its housing stock. For private rental properties, compliance with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) is mandatory, requiring a minimum EPC rating of band E.
The UK Government plans to raise the minimum EPC requirement for rental properties to band C by 2030, as part of broader efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This change will have a notable impact on Southampton, where a considerable portion of private rented properties currently fall below the proposed standard.
Properties rated F or G may not be legally rented out, unless there is a valid exemption.
Southampton’s housing stock is diverse, reflecting its urban and suburban character. The city has a higher proportion of flats compared to the national average, with 41.5% of homes being apartments. Terraced houses are also common, particularly in older neighborhoods, while semi-detached properties are prevalent in more suburban areas. The housing mix includes a blend of older and newer properties, with some areas featuring character homes and others showcasing modern developments. According to recent data, 58.5% of homes in Southampton are houses, which is lower than the national average of 77.9%. The city’s housing stock caters to various household sizes, with a significant portion (32.9%) being one-person households. Southampton also has a higher percentage of private rented accommodation (29.3%) compared to the national average, indicating a dynamic rental market.
Impact on Retrofitting Properties to Increase Energy Efficiency
Southampton’s housing stock, which includes a mix of older and newer properties, presents challenges for retrofitting to improve energy efficiency. Older homes with lower EPC ratings (bands D–G) require significant upgrades, such as cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and renewable energy installations like solar panels and air source heat pumps. The estimated cost of retrofitting all EPC D–G dwellings in Southampton to at least band C is approximately £908 million, with the majority of costs concentrated in areas of higher deprivation.
Fuel Poverty in Southampton
Fuel poverty affects approximately 12.5% of households in Southampton, equating to around 13,400 homes. This rate is slightly below the national average but higher than the South East regional average of 7.4%. Fuel poverty is most prevalent in areas with lower-quality housing and high deprivation levels. For example, Southampton Itchen has a fuel poverty rate of 10.2%, with many households receiving support through national energy efficiency programs.
Specific Information on Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Cavity Wall Insulation Funding: Local programs promote cavity wall insulation as a key measure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
- ECO4 Grant Scheme: In collaboration with UK Eco Solutions, this initiative offers financial support for energy-saving measures across Southampton households.
These efforts aim to address both energy efficiency challenges and fuel poverty in Southampton by leveraging government funding and local initiatives.
EPC Ratings in Southampton
- C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 30-35% of homes in Southampton have an EPC rating of C or higher, indicating they are relatively energy-efficient but may still benefit from upgrades such as solar panels or modern heating systems.
- D (average efficiency): The majority of properties in Southampton are rated band D, with standard insulation and conventional heating systems. These homes are eligible for ECO4 grants and can benefit from efficiency improvements.
- E (poor efficiency): A smaller portion of properties in Southampton have an E rating, meaning they have poor energy efficiency and higher energy bills. Many homes in this category qualify for government funding.
- F-G (very poor efficiency): The least efficient homes have an F or G rating, requiring major upgrades to meet modern energy standards.
Many Southampton homes meet the first criteria to qualify for energy efficiency grants because properties with an EPC rating of D or lower are eligible for government aid.
How local authority support works
Consumer Rights is here to assist you in gaining access to the ECO4 funding and the LA Flex Scheme, allowing you to install energy-saving measures in your residence. Determine your eligibility and submit an application.
How to check what support you can get
1. Complete the Eligibility Checker
Visit our Eligibility Checker and use the tool to answer questions about your property and personal circumstances.
2. Centre Call Contact
After completing the checker, a member of our qualified contact centre team will call you. They will:
- Discuss your property and the upgrades available.
- Walk you through the application process.
- Help gather any required documents.
3. Property Survey and Upgrade Options
- The team will arrange for a survey of your property to assess the upgrades that can be offered.
- If you want to proceed, they will schedule a time to carry out the necessary work.
If you think you may be eligible for funding, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and will be happy to advise you further.