As the ECO4 Scheme continues to roll out across the UK, some councils have been stepping up to ensure their residents can access vital funding to improve home energy efficiency. The scheme aims to help households reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint through measures like insulation and renewable heating systems.
However, some councils are failing their residents and preventing their most vulnerable constituents from accessing funding.
This blog looks at how English councils are helping (or denying) their residents from accessing ECO4 Flex funding.
What is ECO4 Flex?
ECO4 Flex is an eligibility route to the broader Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme, designed to provide flexible funding options for households that may not qualify under the standard criteria. This flexibility allows local councils to widen access to grants to vulnerable, ill and low-income households.
England’s Regional Leaders in ECO4 Flex Funding
Here’s a breakdown of the leading regions in England based on the latest data (based on statistics up to August 2024)
Performance Region-by-Region
Top Three Performers:
1. East Midlands
The East Midlands is leading the charge with a significant number of measures installed, responsible for delivering almost a quarter of all Flex measures delivered in England to date. A total of 16,015 Flex measures have been implemented, accounting for an impressive 23.2% of all English Flex measures, showing a strong commitment to improving energy efficiency.
2. North West
Coming in second, the North West has installed 12,633 Flex measures, making up 18.3% of England’s Flex measures. This indicates a focused effort to reach households that could benefit the most from energy-saving improvements.
3. West Midlands
The West Midlands is close behind, with 11,768 measures, contributing to 7.8% of the total Flex measures installed across the UK and 17.1% of England’s share. This region’s performance highlights a robust local strategy to maximise the benefits of ECO4 Flex funding.
Mid-range Performers:
4. North East
The North East shows some commitment, installing 9.017 Flex measures, which accounts for 7.7% of the total. This region holds 13.1% of England’s Flex measures, demonstrating a targeted approach to delivering energy efficiency improvements.
5. Yorkshire and The Humber
Yorkshire and The Humber have installed a total of 7,313 Flex measures, contributing to 8.9% of the overall Flex total in the UK. With 10.6% of England’s measures, the region shows a solid commitment to helping its residents reduce energy costs.
6. South West
The South West has been proactive in its approach, installing 6,654 Flex measures, although there is room for further work. This region accounts for 9.7% of England’s Flex measures, indicating an effort to support energy-efficient initiatives.
Regions at the Lower End:
7. South East
With 2,724 Flex measures installed, the South East holds 6.1% of the UK’s total and 4% of England’s share. This region’s efforts could be increased to contribute further to the overall goals of the ECO4 scheme.
8. East
The East region has installed 2,489 Flex measures, making up 3.6% of England’s Flex measures. This shows a smaller contribution to the scheme.
9. London
The London Region, with its unique challenges and opportunities, has installed only 318 Flex measures, accounting for just 0.5% of England’s Flex measures. Clearly, there is work to be done here at match the city’s stated focus on sustainable energy.
The Top Performers: How Are These Councils Supporting So Many Vulnerable Residents?
These councils are ensuring their residents receive the majority of the funding by:
- Quickly publishing Statements of Intent at the start of the scheme.
- Proactively onboarding and accepting applications from properly registered installers.
- Providing clear guidance on their websites to help residents access grants, including links to our free grant checker.
How Can All English Councils Ensure Their Residents Get Their Fair Share of the £4 Billion Funding?
Publish and make their Statement of Intent easily accessible on their website.
Onboard and approve applications from registered installers promptly.
Process flex declarations efficiently, ideally with a minimal fee or, even better, at no cost.
Provide clear guidance on their websites to inform applicants and simplify access to available funding, such as including a link to our free grant checker.
Frequently Asked Questions about ECO4 Flex in England
What is the ECO4 Flex Scheme?
The ECO4 Flex scheme is part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) initiative aimed at helping households reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency. ECO4 Flex provides more flexible eligibility criteria, allowing councils to identify and support vulnerable residents who may not qualify under standard ECO rules. Flex declarations can be issued by councils for these households.
| Ways to Qualify | About | Is it ECO4 Flex? |
| Receiving Benefits | If a household receives Child Tax Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (income-based), Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (income-based), Pension Credit Savings Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit There are no additional income requirements if a household claims an eligible benefit listed. | No |
| Child Benefit | If a household claims Child Benefit and also meets Child Benefit income rules. | No |
| Health conditions | Health conditions including respiratory disease, asthma, mobility issues qualify | Yes |
| Vulnerable | Households that are vulnerable can access the grants | Yes |
| Low-income | Household income must be under £31,000 | Yes |
How can councils improve their performance in delivering ECO4 Flex funding?
Councils can improve their performance by:
- Ensuring they have a clear, live Statement of Intent accessible to the public.
- Efficiently processing applications from registered installers.
- Keeping flex declaration fees low or free to encourage more applications.
- Providing clear and accessible information on their websites to guide residents through the application process and help them access available funding.
When does the ECO4 scheme end?
According to Ofgem, the ECO4 scheme is set to run until March 2026. However, it could end earlier if energy companies meet their targets ahead of schedule, potentially reducing the availability of grants. That’s why we recommend checking your eligibility as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
What measures are covered under the ECO4 Flex scheme?
Who is eligible for the ECO4 Flex scheme?
Eligibility for the ECO4 Flex scheme is determined by local councils, who set their criteria to identify vulnerable residents in need of support. This typically includes low-income households, those with health conditions exacerbated by cold homes, and other vulnerable groups that might not meet standard ECO eligibility requirements. To check your eligibility, use the free grant checker available on the Energy Saving Genie website.
Why does the distribution of ECO4 funding in England matter?
Tracking the distribution of ECO4 Flex funding helps ensure that English households receive fair support, similar to those in other parts of the UK. It also highlights which councils are effectively using the scheme to benefit their residents and identifies areas where improvements are needed.
How can all English councils ensure their residents receive their fair share of ECO4 Flex funding?
To ensure their residents receive fair access to ECO4 Flex funding, English councils should:
- Make sure their Statement of Intent is live and easily accessible on their website.
- Onboard and accept applications from registered installers promptly.
- Process flex declarations efficiently, ideally with minimal or no fees.
- Provide clear signposting on their websites to inform applicants and provide straightforward access to available funding, including linking to the free grant checker on the Energy Saving Genie website.
How does council participation in the ECO4 Flex Scheme benefit English households?
The ECO4 Flex Scheme offers English households access to free or subsidised energy-saving improvements that might not be available through the standard ECO4 Scheme. These measures can significantly lower energy bills, enhance home comfort, and help reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change. Without councils’ commitment to issuing ECO4 Flex declarations, English households risk missing out on these benefits.
What should I do if my council isn't involved in the ECO4 Flex Scheme?
If your council isn’t actively participating in the ECO4 Flex Scheme, it’s crucial to express your interest. Check your council’s website or reach out to them directly to ask about the scheme and encourage them to get involved. Councils that are falling behind might need a little extra push from residents to make participation a priority.
For more information and to check your eligibility, visit the Energy Saving Genie ECO4 Grant Checker.
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