‘Not realistic nor achievable’: Readers slam government’s failed insulation scheme
A. The government-backed scheme to equip homes with external wall insulation has worsened the situation for thousands of households; Many encountered moisture, mold and other serious problems.
The National Audit Office has found that almost all homes covered by the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme face major problems and need major repairs due to inadequate oversight.
Independent Readers criticized the plan, arguing that older housing in the UK is generally not suitable for such renovations. Some have even suggested that the country’s housing stock should be completely revamped rather than doubling down on “dangerous” renovations.
While some accepted that new buildings now met higher insulation standards, others argued that Britain was overvaluing older properties at the expense of safety and efficiency.
Many emphasized that insulation alone cannot solve problems such as condensation and urged households to combine ventilation, heating and lifestyle changes.
Many felt that the inadequate work supported by the scheme was an inevitable consequence of favoring large, distant contractors over local tradesmen, excluding smaller firms and leaving households with limited support should trouble arise.
Many readers blamed the incompetence of the public service, saying officials should be held accountable to prevent repeated failures.
Here’s what you need to say:
Condensation requires more than insulation
Insulation alone is not the solution. Adequate heating and ventilation must be provided, as well as a change in lifestyle, to prevent condensation and mold growth. Windows should be opened when bathing, showering or cooking. Clothes should not be dried indoors and the house should be properly ventilated once a day. I know this always results in grumpy faces and excuses from homeowners, but it’s the only way to combat condensation and mold growth in homes.
Fur-Q
The structure of the plans should be changed
Like most government programs, this program is not accessible to smaller (and therefore more local) tradesmen. This probably doesn’t matter in London, where most civil servants believe the population lives, but it does mean that anyone in Cumbria, Durham or Northumberland can only be served by Newcastle-based firms. If I were spending my own money I would never use such a company, regardless of its reputation, as it is more important to have a local base to contact in case of problems. The structure of the programs needs to be fundamentally changed to fully support the local construction industry.
Morphaniel
Goals are unrealistic
This is a result of the desired outcome being unrealistic and achievable. Just because the old enclosure is not suitable for reducing heat loss does not mean that it can be retroactively adapted. Lack of awareness of those who set these goals. They should be publicly commemorated as an example for future governments. McCluskey seems to have put his head into it.
Geoff Allibone
Maybe we need new housing
Honestly, if so many homes have been made worse or dangerous by this work, perhaps homes in the UK don’t work with this kind of work and should be demolished and replaced with new housing, rather than assuming every installer is an incompetent cowboy. Of course, this cannot happen overnight, but plans need to be implemented as soon as possible to renew our housing stock.
daily socks
public service incompetence
Another example of the incompetence of the public service. We really need fundamental change to ensure that officials are prosecuted like in the United States. All that will happen is a new investigation where the lawyers are rich and no one is held accountable. From Grenfell to grooming gangs to the Post Office, we are repeatedly let down and our lives ruined by public servants.
JSMill88
Confusion
What a mess. I know people who are still waiting for the problems caused by cavity wall insulation to be resolved. God knows how long it will take for this mess to be sorted out. Things are not being properly inspected and inspected.
sweet swing
new buildings
For too long we have neglected proper insulation. It should be standard in all new buildings, and solar panels should be placed on all south-facing roofs in new houses.
49 nine
Level up old properties
We have reasonable insulation standards in new buildings and all new-build homes must be fitted with solar panels by 2027. Part of Britain’s problem is that we fetishize old estates on spurious “heritage” grounds when we should be flattening them and starting over. Once upon a time, “slum clearance” was considered a desirable goal.
SteveHill
Some of the comments in this article have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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