House of Commons · General Debate
23 January 2025 · 19 other contributors
Opened by Miatta Fahnbulleh Labour (Co-op) Energy Security and Net Zero
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Miatta Fahnbulleh raised concerns about eco4 and insulation schemes 2025-01-23 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that there are significant issues with poor-quality solid wall insulation installed under the ECO4 scheme and Great British Insulation Scheme. Around 65,000 households have had installations, but audits found non-compliance with standards. The Government has suspended installers and is implementing a comprehensive plan for repair and remediation funded by those responsible.
The shadow Minister supported the Government's actions but raised questions about the proportion of affected installations, mechanisms for remedial work, standardization of future work, prompt communication to all affected households, and legal action against suspended companies.
Welcomed the Minister's plans but asked if they would extend to cavity wall insulation issues and about availability of compensation for those affected.
Acknowledged the need for a system overhaul, questioned about remedial work for other energy efficiency measures under ECO and GBIS, and asked about priority given to households in fuel poverty.
Thanked the Minister for progress made and enquired whether bans on companies would follow their directors, also asking if this applied to cavity wall insulation backed by Government schemes.
The Minister emphasised the government's commitment to upgrading people’s homes to deliver warmer homes that are cheaper to run. She highlighted the need for an overhaul of the system, including checks and balances, quality standards, and redress systems in place for consumers. The minister also discussed collaboration with devolved Administrations such as the Scottish Government and Welsh Government to ensure proper delivery at scale and pace.
The MP welcomed the government's statement on addressing home insulation issues but questioned whether they would look at a wider problem with insulation generally, including discussions with devolved Administrations about schemes in the wider UK.
The MP welcomed the Minister's emphasis on better standards but asked how she would grow the workforce needed to deliver these initiatives for the future. The minister responded by mentioning training schemes and working with local and regional government.
The MP asked whether the 39 suspended companies are also prohibited from providing other types of insulation under Government schemes. The Minister responded that most of these companies have been banned from doing any work.
The MP congratulated the Minister on her efforts to tackle rogue companies and asked for consideration to be given to extending regulation to spray foam insulation. She provided examples of constituents affected by substandard work, leading to financial burdens and difficulty selling homes.
The MP highlighted the need for independent inspections, certifications, and assurances for home improvements such as insulation. The Minister agreed that there was a poor system of inspection and stressed the importance of consumer confidence.
The MP commended the Minister for her statement but noted problems with incorrect insulations, faulty work, misuse of grants, and regulators siding with contractors. He emphasised the need to protect vulnerable groups.
The MP welcomed today’s statement but highlighted that it is not just about solid wall insulation and asked whether local authorities should sign off work before a penny is paid. The Minister noted lessons from Wales and Scotland where additional quality checks are in place.
The MP welcomed the minister's statement and asked how they could ensure that companies winning contracts do not subcontract to others who cannot carry out work properly. The Minister responded by highlighting the need for proper quality standards.
Welcomed the steps outlined for solid wall insulation but raised concerns about spray foam insulation, highlighting that one in three top mortgage lenders have blanket bans on it. Called for justice for those affected by the spray foam insulation scandal.
Acknowledged systemic issues and committed to working with MHCLG to resolve the problems related to spray foam insulation. Emphasised that there is an issue but prioritises households impacted under ECO and GBIS schemes for immediate action.
Welcomed the Minister’s statement on consumer protection, raised concerns about constituents who faced problems with spray foam insulation installed under the green homes grant scheme. Asked the Minister to meet him to discuss remedial actions for affected households.
Brought up concerns about spray foam insulation, mentioning a constituent who was forced to replace their roof due to issues related to spray foam installation. Questioned how the Government would address such exploitative practices.
Expressed concerns about defective cavity wall insulation and adverse legal costs pursued by law firms. Asked for assurance that future programmes like the warm homes plan will not face similar issues and inquired about cross-departmental work on skills training.
Thanked the Minister for comprehensive response and requested sharing of lessons learned with Northern Ireland Assembly to address similar shortcomings in their affordable warmth scheme.
Government Response
The Government is conducting additional audits, requiring installers to fund and remediate poor-quality work at speed, overseeing quality checks through Ofgem, setting up a gov.uk advice page for affected households, and working on systemic reforms to ensure future compliance. Responded to questions about company director actions after suspensions, plans for other types of energy efficiency measures, and the need for a system overhaul to ensure consumer protection. Announced steps for quality checks on all installed solid wall insulation units under Government schemes. The minister emphasised the government's commitment to upgrading homes and delivering warmer, cheaper homes with high-quality insulation schemes. She discussed issues related to solid wall insulation, subcontracting of work by companies winning contracts, independent inspections, collaboration with devolved Administrations, extending regulation to spray foam insulation, empowering local authorities to sign off work before payment, growing the workforce needed for these initiatives, and ensuring that there is a role for government in overseeing home upgrades. Acknowledged systemic issues, committed to working with MHCLG and other colleagues on spray foam insulation. Stressed the priority of addressing households impacted under ECO and GBIS schemes for immediate action while acknowledging broader issues with older systems.
Shadow Response
Andrew BowieThe shadow Minister welcomed the Government's actions but asked specific questions about the extent of poor-quality work, mechanisms for remediation by suspended installers, ensuring high standards in future work, prompt communication to all affected households, publication of a full list of suspended companies, and potential legal action against them.