ECO4 is a government-backed scheme, set out to supply those living in fuel poverty with renewable energy upgrades. These upgrades can cut down the carbon emissions of a home and slash energy bills at the same time. However, there is a range of criteria to meet when qualifying for this scheme.
What is ECO4 Flex Scheme?
ECO4 Flex operates within the broader power of the ECO4 scheme and allows Councils to alter the eligibility of ECO and customise energy efficiency grants for their area.
What Are the Rules for ECO4 Flex?
Under ECO4 Flex and the Affordable Warmth Scheme, local authorities (LA) and energy suppliers can declare which households are eligible for the scheme.
LA’s can choose the criteria and ultimately decide who is going to qualify for the scheme.
There are four possible routes of eligibility;
1. Route One: Household Income: A household income of £31,000 is a cap that is used as the first method of picking low-income homes that could benefit from ECO Flex Grants.
2. Route Two: Low Income and Vulnerable Households: households could be eligible if their property has an EPC rating of E, F or G and falls into two other categories, these are;
- Home is located in an LSOA 1-3 Area*
- Householder receives a Council Tax Rebate
- Householder is classed as vulnerable living in a cold home under NICE Guidance*
- Householder referral by a Local Authority scheme, helping low-income households classed as vulnerable
- Householders in receipt of free school meals.
- Household has sustained debt; utility bills and mortgage payments. Citizens Advice a required to refer the householder to the correct Local Authority, mortgage lender, or energy supplier.
(*These two criteria cannot be used in conjunction with one another. These criteria could vary depending on your LA)
3. Route Three: NHS Referrals: the householder may be suffering from a long-term health condition which may be worsened by living in cold conditions. Conditions include respiratory, cardiovascular, immune suppressed conditions or limited mobility.
4. Route Four: Bespoke Targeting: Energy suppliers or local authorities can submit a proposal to the Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Efficiency, discussing how a large number of households could be living in fuel poverty. If they qualify here, they could receive a little bit more in their grants.
LSOA Areas
To be classified as a Lower-layer Super Output Area, the area must have;
- average population of 1,500 people
- 650 households
LSOA areas 1 to 3 are the 30% most deprived areas in England and to define these areas, certain factors are considered:
- Living Environment
- Income
- Employment
- Education, skills and training
- Health and Disability
- Crime
- Barriers to housing and services
Summary
With that information, it is hopeful that ECO4 Flex is now easier to understand and the ability to situate yourself within the guidelines, if you are applicable, should seem less confusing.
Keep in mind that the four routes listed above, including the 6 proxies outlined in Route 2, should be discussed with your respective local authority. Here, they can explain if your area qualifies for ECO4 Flex and what you could receive personally.