Figures have revealed that around 30,000 UK homes were left with insulation so badly fitted it could make cold, damp conditions worse — undermining the very purpose of government-backed schemes designed to cut bills and improve health. The affected homes appear mostly to have been assisted during a period under the previous Government.
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:
“It is unacceptable that tens of thousands of households have been left with poor quality insulation which could make cold, damp homes even worse.
“The public put their trust in these schemes to make homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat and any issues must be rectified as soon as possible by skilled workers.
“In our recommendations to Ministers for their Warm Homes Plan, we have made it clear that it must provide a ‘warm homes guarantee’ so people are assured that they will get the benefits promised, not just a box ticked.
“This Plan also needs to start with the people in the coldest, dampest homes supported by properly trained installers and rigorous checks. The Minister’s recent confirmation of 9,000 new subsidised training places for installers is a good start to achieving this.
“More broadly, we also need to see area-based insulation and ventilation upgrades, reforms to fix energy pricing and targeted financial help for households struggling with their bills. Without these safeguards, we risk wasting public money, damaging public trust, and leaving millions stuck in fuel poverty.”