Our response to the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan

Today’s publication of the Warm Homes Plan marks an important step towards improving homes across the UK. With £15 billion committed to support delivery, the Plan provides a clear framework for upgrading five million homes and installing low carbon technologies that will deliver lasting savings for households still struggling with the cost of living and reduce our reliance on volatile fossil fuels. A new Warm Homes Agency by 2027 will be created to oversee consumer protection and provide advice to empower people to take action in their own homes.

Creating a simple, streamlined journey for people looking to upgrade their homes is central to effectively delivering the Plan at scale. Our experience delivering Home Energy Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government shows that tailored, trusted advice is what gives people the confidence to act. Evaluation data shows 42% of people go on to install energy saving or low carbon measures after receiving advice and a further 42% plan to do so within a year. That’s the kind of impact national advice services can deliver. We now look forward to supporting the UK Government to develop its advice offering so people can confidently adopt low carbon technologies.

For households looking to upgrade their homes, tackling high upfront costs is a key challenge. It’s positive that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will continue to support people to install low carbon heating. Confirmation of UK Government backed low and zero interest loans through the new Warm Homes Fund is another significant step towards making home upgrades more affordable. By reducing upfront costs and driving demand for wider improvements, these loans will enable many more households to maximise their savings.

Confirmation of the Future Homes Standard is another positive step forwards. It will ensure new homes are future proofed and built to high energy efficiency standards with low carbon technologies, such as heat pumps and solar panels, protecting households from expensive retrofit work later on.

The introduction of new energy efficiency standards for the private rented sector is essential for tackling fuel poverty, so it’s positive to see these introduced to protect renters. We’re committed to working with the UK Government to ensure the right support is in place to successfully deliver the new standards. Access to green finance products, such as low cost loans, will support landlords to invest in their properties. Equally important is the provision of tailored, in-depth advice so landlords understand how to comply with the new requirements, and ensuring tenants receive the support they need to operate low carbon technologies once installed.

Low carbon technologies are the foundation of a cheaper, cleaner energy future and are what will ultimately bring bills down permanently. Now that the Plan is published, the priority must be rapid, scaled‑up delivery so households across the UK can feel the benefits of clean power as soon as possible.