Tendring woman praises scheme which replaced flammable insulation
Essex County Council’s Green Home Grants Local Authority Delivery scheme helps reduce fire risk in the home
A homeowner in Essex has praised the Essex County Council’s Green Home Grants Local Authority Delivery scheme.
Elizabeth Sadler from Tendring took advantage of the free scheme which saw unsafe loft insulation in her home identified and replaced within two weeks.
The free survey found that her loft was paper based, which meant that it was flammable and unsafe.
This was then followed with a completely free insulation to reduce fire risk in her home.
The retired radiographer is now a real advocate for the free council scheme (which is open for applications until 30 August).
She is very passionate about the fact that many people are probably unaware that their house is full of dangerous cladding – particularly those homes built in the 60s and 70s.
The scheme provides free funding of up to £10,000 to install energy efficiency measures in the home, which ranges from insulation to air source heat pumps.
The Council is inviting all local homeowners with a low income and low energy efficiency rating to apply for free funding of up to £10,000 to replace sub-standard insulation, save on energy bills and tackle climate change through the scheme.
Elizabeth applied for the Council’s scheme after seeing a post on the Essex is Green Facebook page. Shortly after her enquiry a surveyor from Aran Insulation, Essex County Council’s contractor for the scheme, visited her property, which was built in the 1970s.
During this inspection, the surveyor was alarmed to see that Elizabeth’s loft insulation was paper-based, meaning that not only did it fall far below current government standards, it was also highly flammable.
Speaking about this realisation, Elizabeth said:
“It was very frightening to hear that my loft insulation didn’t comply with any fire regulations and posed a real risk to my safety. The surveyor said that Aran would replace the insulation as soon as possible for me. I was so grateful.”
Less than two weeks later, contractors arrived at Elizabeth’s home to replace her dangerous loft insulation, with the whole process taking less than a day to complete.
Elizabeth added:
“I’m so relieved my home now has a reduced fire risk. I would strongly urge all Essex residents who feel they fit the scheme’s criteria to just pick up the phone and call Aran Insulation. Like myself, many others may be living in a dangerous home and not even realise it. Getting my loft insulated didn’t cost me a penny and was so simple to sign up for. If I can do it, anybody can!”
“I particularly noticed the difference when it was cooler a couple of weeks ago. My upstairs rooms were so warm as the heat wasn’t escaping through the gaps in the loft like it used to. I know I’ll appreciate the new insulation in the winter as it’s made a vast difference to the warmth of my house already”, she said.
Homeowners with a combined household income below £30,000 and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, F or G are invited to check eligibility for the free local authority grant of up to £10,000 to install energy efficiency measures in their homes.
Cllr Peter Schwier, Deputy to the Leader with the lead on Climate Action at Essex County Council said:
“Although it’s fantastic to hear that Elizabeth’s insulation has now been upgraded, there are still many homes in Essex with sub-standard insulation who are simply unaware of the danger within their lofts and walls.
I hope that Elizabeth’s story will encourage more residents to check their eligibility and consider applying for the scheme. The works are fully funded, meaning they cost nothing to the homeowner, and all it takes is a quick phone call to start the application process.”
All works must be completed 30 August 2021. Qualifying homeowners are therefore encouraged to contact Aran Insulation, delivery partner for the scheme, as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
To apply for energy efficient measures, visit www.essex.gov.uk/energy-funding or call Aran Insulation on 0800 587 7795 or 01284 812 520.