My Local Authority, and How Does It Affect My ECO4 Application?

If you’re considering applying for the free home upgrade (ECO4) scheme, you might wonder what role your local authority plays in the process. Understanding this relationship can help you navigate your application more effectively and ensure you receive the benefits you qualify for.

What is a Local Authority?

A local authority is the organisation responsible for public services and local government in your area. Depending on where you live, it might be called a council, borough, or district authority. Local authorities are tasked with overseeing housing, environmental health, and community welfare, among other responsibilities.

Examples of local authorities in the UK include:

• Manchester City Council
• Birmingham City Council
• Cornwall Council
• Aberdeenshire Council in Scotland

Each local authority has unique resources and policies tailored to the needs of its community. You can find your local authority by visiting the UK Government website.

How Does Your Local Authority Impact ECO4 Applications?

ECO4, the fourth phase of the Energy Company Obligation scheme, aims to help low-income households improve energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. Measures under the scheme include insulation, heating upgrades, and energy-saving technologies. The scheme prioritises households in fuel poverty or those vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home.

For more information about ECO4, visit our ECO4 page.

The process of applying for the ECO4 scheme in your local authority:

1. Eligibility Assessments
   Local authorities play a crucial role in identifying eligible households. ECO4 is designed to help people in vulnerable circumstances, and your local authority may hold key information, such as:
   • Benefits you receive (e.g., Universal Credit, Housing Benefit). Learn more: Energy Efficiency Improvements at No Cost for Benefit Recipients – Energy Advice Helpline
   • Your home’s energy performance (via Energy Performance Certificates or EPCs)
2. Flexibility Under ECO4 Flex
   Local authorities also support the ECO4 Flex mechanism. This allows councils to recommend households that might not meet standard criteria but are still in need of assistance. For example:
   • A family with young children in a poorly insulated homeAn elderly resident with health conditions exacerbated by cold living conditions
   Your council can issue a declaration to confirm your eligibility under ECO4 Flex, which is then passed to an energy supplier or installer. More on this can be found on ECO4 In Your Region – Energy Advice Helpline
3. Partnerships with Installers
   Many local authorities collaborate with approved energy-efficiency contractors to streamline the installation process. You can apply with us and we will advise you if our installers are within your local authority:

4. Community-Specific Initiatives
Some councils have their own additional programs to complement ECO4. For example:

• Leeds City Council offers free insulation for eligible households.
• Bristol City Council runs a separate Warm Up Bristol initiative alongside ECO funding.

How to Engage with Your Local Authority for ECO4

1. Check Your Council’s Website
   Start by visiting your local authority’s website to explore its energy-efficiency programs and ECO4 Flex support. Use the Find Your Local Council tool.
2. Contact the Housing or Energy Efficiency Team
   Reach out to the relevant department for advice on how to proceed. Many councils have dedicated officers to assist with ECO-related queries.
3. Ask About Declarations
   If you think you’re eligible for ECO4 Flex, ask your local authority about obtaining a declaration. They’ll evaluate your circumstances and guide you through the process.
4. Explore Additional Support
   Beyond ECO4, your local authority might provide grants, advice, or referrals to other schemes like the Warm Home Discount or boiler replacement programs.