ECO4 & LA Flex Funding in St. Davids

Consumer Rights – Helping People – Helping St. Davids

The Consumer Rights CIC team has worked alongside St. Davids residents for many years to help them lower their energy costs and support the UK’s carbon reduction goals.

The St. Davids community can access ECO4, and the Great British Insulation Scheme, backed by LA Flex, to help fund energy-efficiency improvements for eligible homes.

Apply For An ECO4 Grant

An ECO4 grant helps you to make your home more energy efficient and reduces your energy cost.

Apply For An ECO4 Grant

So How and Why Do We Do This?

The UK government has implemented the ECO4 program and other subsidies to achieve its Net Zero emissions target.

Consumer Rights is proud to support this goal by improving the energy efficiency of homes in St. Davids.

In St. Davids, the housing stock’s energy efficiency is generally in line with the Welsh average, with many homes likely falling into the EPC band D category due to the region’s older properties. These older homes often have poor energy efficiency, making them eligible for government-funded improvements. For private rental properties in Wales, including those in St. Davids, landlords must adhere to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which mandate a minimum EPC rating of band E. Properties with ratings F or G cannot be legally rented unless they have a valid exemption registered on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Exemptions Register.

The Welsh Government aims to enhance energy efficiency further by setting targets for all privately rented homes to achieve EPC C by 2028, with interim targets for EPC D by 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve housing energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across Wales.

Properties rated F or G may not be legally rented out, unless there is a valid exemption.

St. Davids’ housing stock is distinguished by a diverse range of property types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced homes, which reflect the area’s unique blend of rural charm and urban character. The city’s housing is predominantly older, with many traditional properties contributing to its historic appeal. Semi-detached houses are prevalent in central areas, while terraced homes are found in streets like Nun Street. Detached properties, such as bungalows and family homes, are often situated on the outskirts, offering scenic views and proximity to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The need for retrofitting properties in St. Davids to increase energy efficiency is significant due to the area’s older housing stock:

Many properties in St. Davids are older with traditional designs, presenting challenges for energy efficiency improvements and require tailored retrofitting approaches.
Limited new housing developments mean most properties require retrofitting rather than being built to modern energy efficiency standards.

Regarding fuel poverty in St. Davids:

While specific data for St. Davids is not available, fuel poverty is a concern in Wales:

As of October 2021, an estimated 196,000 households in Wales (14% of all households) were living in fuel poverty.
Rural areas in Wales tend to have higher rates of fuel poverty, which may apply to St. Davids given its location.

These initiatives and targets highlight the importance of retrofitting existing properties in St. Davids to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.

EPC Ratings in St. Davids

C and above (good energy efficiency): Around 25-30% of homes in St. Davids have an EPC rating of C or higher, indicating they are reasonably efficient but could still benefit from upgrades like solar panels or modern heating systems.
D (average efficiency): The majority of properties in St. Davids are rated band D, meaning they have standard insulation and heating systems but could become more efficient with further improvements.
E (poor efficiency): A smaller percentage of homes have an E rating, highlighting below-average energy efficiency. These properties are ideal candidates for ECO4 funding.
F-G (very poor efficiency): The least efficient homes in St. Davids have an F or G rating, indicating they require major energy upgrades to meet modern efficiency standards.

Government funding for energy efficiency grants requires a property to have an EPC rating of D or below. As a result, many homes in St. Davids are eligible for these grants.

Procedure for Applying for ECO4 Funding

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 Apply for ECO4 Funding:

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.

Useful Resources:

External resources. UK Government ECO4 – OGEM