Leading organisations call on Government to act now to help prevent excess winter deaths

A group of leading organisations including charities, fuel poverty groups and industry is urging the Government to take immediate action by announcing additional ‘emergency’ funding for heating and Insulation measures in the Autumn Statement on 3^rd December 2014 to help reduce the thousands of vulnerable people who will die of cold related illnesses this winter.

The Government’s long awaited new Fuel Poverty Strategy and Targets are still subject to parliamentary process and will, therefore, have no impact on this winter and time is rapidly running out to take action.

Age UK recently reported that one older person will die every seven minutes from cold weather this winter and that excess winter death rates and illness are highest among those in the coldest homes.  The report highlighted that nearly 1 million older people live in fuel poverty and cannot afford to heat their homes to a sufficient temperature in order to keep warm and well and called on the Government to upgrade the energy efficiency of these homes.   

However, the latest Energy Company Obligation Monthly Report published by DECC on 20^th November showed that the support for vulnerable households through its flagship ECO Affordable Warmth Scheme which provides free heating and insulation has plummeted.  Less than 6,000 measures were installed in September 2014 compared to nearly 30,000 in September 2013. This trend is likely to continue throughout the Winter as Ofgem reported in August that the overall ECO Affordable Warmth Target to the end of March 2015 was virtually completed in June 2014. 

Derek Lickorish, Chair of the Government Fuel Poverty Advisory Group speaking on behalf of the group said: “Today we are calling on Government to make additional funding available through the Autumn Statement to provide free heating and insulation measures to thousands more fuel poor and vulnerable householders.

“While energy bills have increased by 140% since 2005, incomes have risen less than 30% over the same period. The problem of fuel poverty is a very serious issue and life threatening for the elderly and for those in poor health. An estimated 18,200 excess winter deaths occurred in England and Wales in 2013/14. An estimated 30% of winter deaths in Europe are caused by cold housing^[1]. By making just 1.5 million of the most inefficient fuel poor homes meet a decent standard of insulation with a modern heating system would save them over £200 million each year off their fuel bills and thereby increasing their spending power for food and other essentials.

Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive of National Energy Action said: “NEA has deep concerns over the lack of funding for heating and insulation improvements to help the most vulnerable families over the course of this winter. I urge the Chancellor to release some of the billions of pounds that have gone into the Treasury this year from taxes and levies imposed on energy consumers.”

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: "Thousands of older people face a daily battle to stay warm during winter, risking their health by keeping the heating low to avoid running up a bill they can't afford.  Increasing energy costs coupled with poorly insulated homes means the UK is fighting a losing battle against cold weather and it is very difficult for increasing numbers of people to properly protect themselves. 

"The only solution to this problem is an ambitious programme to bring all our housing up to a high energy efficiency standard. We realise a national infrastructure project of this scale would require major investment; but not only would it reduce illness and deaths among older people, it would also cut associated costs to the NHS, create jobs and growth and help future generations.

"No older person should worry that they could die from the cold in their own home. Fuel poverty is a national scandal which has claimed the lives of too many people - both old and young - for far too long and left many more suffering from preventable illness. We want a permanent solution and we believe it is within our grasp, if there is the necessary imagination and political will."

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust, said: “This isn’t about short term hand-outs to get people out of trouble for one winter, fixing our leaky homes means putting an end to this most severe issue, full stop. We know that for many this is going to be a really tough winter so let’s help those in need, starting with those who need us most.”

Ed Matthew from the Energy Bill Revolution said: "Insulation of British homes have crashed this year. The solution is to make home energy efficiency the UK's infrastructure investment priority. This can help millions of families warm their homes and create jobs in every part of the UK. No other infrastructure investment can achieve so much for so many."

Dr Joanne Wade, Director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy, said: “It is totally unacceptable that over 2 million households in the UK today are unable to afford to keep warm in their own homes and many millions more are at risk due to poor quality housing, rising energy costs and uncertain incomes.  To solve the problem of fuel poverty, we need to invest in energy efficiency measures in more than half a million low-income homes every year for the next ten years. Clearly the current level of activity under ECO is nowhere near adequate: government must take immediate action to begin to remedy this.”

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “Poorly insulated homes are a major contributor to fuel poverty and excess winter deaths and it is therefore vital that Government takes immediate action though additional funding to enable thousands more vulnerable households to receive help through home insulation this winter.  Our industry stands ready to deliver these extra measures.”

List of the organisations

Age UK

Association for the Conservation of Energy

Energy Bill Revolution

Energy Saving Trust

Fuel Poverty Advisory Group

National Energy Action

National Insulation Association

For more information or to arrange an interview contact Duncan Murray at the NIA press office on 01327 227 010 or email Duncan@evolution-pr.co.uk

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[1] http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/145511/e95004sum.pdf [p13]

NIA Announces Plans for a Special Open Day/Briefing Event for External Wall and Internal Wall Insulation Installers

The NIA is the lead trade body for solid wall insulation in the UK representing manufacturers, system certificate holders and installers of both external and internal wall insulation and is committed to helping its members maximise business opportunities and maintaining quality and standards in the industry.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: "In response to the significant level of interest expressed by PAS 2030 external and internal wall insulation installers in NIA membership, we have decided to hold a special free to attend open day/briefing event in early 2015.

"The event will include briefings on the opportunities available to EWI and IWI installers in different market sectors together with the support that we can provide to members in maximising these.

"Further details of the event will be released shortly but if you are interested in attending please email us at admin@nia-uk.org to register your interest."

NIA and DECC join forces to find solutions to tackle fuel poverty in solid wall properties.

In an event organised by the National Insulation Association (NIA) and its member Hamilton (Building Contractors) Ltd, a team of officials from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), visited Bradford’s Holme Wood Estate in order to examine first-hand the challenges that face the occupants of some of the poorest housing stock in the UK and the Solid Wall Insulation solutions available to them.

“Fuel Poverty affects millions of households in the UK and the situation can occur in all areas and demographics of the country.” Said the CEO of the NIA, Neil Marshall.  “However, this can be particularly prevalent in poorly maintained housing and the types of private rented and owner occupied properties found in inner cities. The Holme Wood Estate in Bradford is an example of fuel poverty and poor insulation at its most extreme. But, as can be seen with this on-site examination of the problems, steps are being taken to meet the challenges and address the situation.”

Neil Marshall added: “There are over 1million fuel poor households living in solid wall properties in private sector housing that are currently unlikely to receive any help through the Energy Company Obligation and Green Deal Home Improvement Fund.  These households are not expected to be insulated under the ECO as they are not cost effective enough for energy companies and fuel poor households are not likely to be able to afford to make the financial contribution needed under the Green Deal.  This visit is all about working together to find alternative solutions.”

The fact finding tour of the Holme Wood Estate with members of DECCs Household Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty teams took place today. During the three hour visit the team went to the heart of the estate to see housing both before, during and after the installation of external wall insulation; whilst also assessing the differences between today’s systems and those of 25 years ago. The group also had the chance to talk with local community leaders and residents to discuss the issues they face on a day to day basis and how the installation of external wall insulation has made a huge difference to their lives.

Daniel Mackie, Business Development Director from Hamilton (Building Contractors) Ltd said: “Hamilton’s are delighted to be working with the NIA and DECC to help to create policies that can be introduced to tackle the growing problem of fuel poverty in solid walled homes in the private sector”. Daniel also added “For 20 years, we have been delivering the benefits of External Wall Insulation to homes such as these in Holme Wood, with the Socially owned properties being the first to benefit through schemes like decent homes. Now though, those left living in thermally in-efficient properties, are generally in the private sector and more needs to be done to support those most in need, those in fuel poverty. Hopefully days like today can play a part in shaping that support.”

NIA calls on Vince Cable, Secretary of State at BIS to work with Ed Davey, Secretary of State at DECC to address delayed payments under the Energy Company Obligation(ECO)

Amidst growing reports from the energy efficiency supply chain of delayed payments for work carried out under the ECO, which are causing major cash flow issues, the NIA is calling on Vince Cable and Ed Davey to intervene and arrange an urgent high level summit, involving energy companies, the energy efficiency industry and Ofgem to address the matter.

Neil Marshall the CEO of the NIA said: “There appear to be some fundamental issues with the ECO measures approval and payment processes which are resulting in major delays in payments to installers for works they have undertaken.  It is essential that the Government now intervenes and works with the energy companies, energy efficiency industry and Ofgem to address these issues.” 

He went on to say: “A new construction supply chain payment charter was introduced earlier in the year and consideration now needs to be given to introducing this or something similar to the ECO.”

The Chief Executive of the National Insulation Association urges the public to take heed and think insulation first during Big Energy Saving Week

Neil Marshall, NIA Chief Executive said:  “20-24 October is Big Energy Saving Week and will see numerous helpful facts given about saving costs on fuels bills. But we must stress that above all else, fitting adequate insulation first needs to be the priority. Doing so will enable householders to make major savings on their fuel bills year after year without even having to think about it.”

The amounts that can be saved on fuel bills are substantial:

• Solid Wall Insulation will  save up to £460 per annum
• Cavity Wall Insulation will save up to £250 per annum
• The correct depth of Loft Insulation can save £250 per annum
• Draught Proofing will provide  a yearly saving  of up to  £50

Marshall went on to voice his concerns over the millions of households that are yet to be properly insulated: “It is staggering that despite years of campaigning, and rising energy bills over 7 million solid walls and 5 million cavity walls still need insulating. There are also 7 million lofts that have inadequate insulation and are in need of topping up!”

The NIA is therefore urging householders to contact an NIA member to find out if their home requires insulation and to arrange a quotation.  Householders can be safe in the knowledge that an NIA installer will have signed up to a strict Code of Professional Practice, meaning peace of mind comes as standard with an NIA member.

To find a local NIA member householders should visit the NIA website www.nia-uk.org

NIA welcomes additional £100m for household energy efficiency through Green Deal Home Improvement Fund but calls for further action to insulate the UK housing stock

The National Insulation Association (NIA) has welcomed today’s announcement by Government that an additional £100m will be provided to help fund energy efficiency improvements through the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) but is urging all political parties to go much further and commit to making Energy Efficiency Retrofit an Infrastructure Priority.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive at the National Insulation Association said: “Following the significant reduction in insulation activity under ECO after cuts were announced by Government in July and the closure of the initial GDHIF after just 6 weeks, we have been urging Government to inject additional funding into the GDHIF this winter to help hard pressed households reduce their energy bills and stay warm. We are therefore delighted that Government has listened and responded by announcing an additional £100m today.

“However, whilst this will provide much needed short term relief, we need to go beyond short term, stop start schemes and incentives and put in place a long term plan and funding mechanism if we are to insulate the UK housing stock in a timely manner. With over 7 million homes having inadequate Loft Insulation, over 5 million that require Cavity Wall Insulation and almost 8 million homes that need Solid Wall Insulation we need to significantly strengthen energy efficiency policies and programmes.

“To this end the NIA is calling on all political parties to recognise that home energy efficiency needs to be defined as a National Infrastructure Priority with public investment to support the most vulnerable households and to create the confidence for the industry to scale up investment over the long term.”

NIA responds to the Conservatives’ plan to exempt new starter homes from ‘zero carbon’ regulations

The NIA has expressed its surprise and concern at reports that the Conservative party intends to remove the requirement for new homes for first time buyers under the age of 40 to meet the zero carbon standard that is supposed to apply to all new homes built from 2016.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “if this proposal goes ahead it will mean that these new homes will be less energy efficient resulting in the occupants facing much higher energy bills which is a major concern given rising energy prices.  In addition it would be a further blow for home energy efficiency where installation rates for existing homes have plummeted since 2013 under the Green Deal and ECO.  We would therefore urge a rethink.”

The UK Green Building Council has  also responded to this news