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A Government supported scheme to fit houses along the outer wall insulation Is worsened the condition of thousands of familiesMany people experienced dampness, moldAnd other serious issues.
The National Audit Office found that almost all homes fitted under the Energy Company Responsibility (ECO) scheme are experiencing major problems and requiring major repairs due to poor monitoring.
Independent Readers criticized the plan, arguing that the old U.K. Accommodation Often unsuitable for such retrofits. Some also suggested that the country needed to completely refresh its housing stock rather than doubling down on “dangerous” modifications.
While some acknowledged that new construction now meets higher insulation standards, others argued that Britain overvalues older properties at the expense of safety and efficiency.
Many stressed that insulation alone cannot solve issues such as condensation, urging households to combine ventilation, heating and lifestyle changes.
Many also felt that the inadequate work supported by the scheme was an inevitable result of it benefiting large, distant contractors rather than local traders, thereby excluding smaller companies and houses With limited support if problems arise.
Many readers blamed civil service incompetence and said officials should be held accountable to prevent repeated failures.
Here’s what you had to say:
Condensation requires more than insulation
Insulation in itself is not the answer. Adequate heating and ventilation should also be provided along with lifestyle changes to avoid condensation and mold growth. Windows must be opened when bathing, showering or cooking. Clothes should not be dried indoors and the house should be thoroughly ventilated once a day. I know this always results in long faces and excuses from homeowners, but it is the only way to deal with condensation and mold growth in homes.
fur-q
There is a need to change the structure of the plans
This scheme, like most such government schemes, may not be accessible to smaller (and therefore more local) traders. This is probably not significant in London, where most civil servants believe the population lives, but it does mean that anyone in Cumbria, Durham or Northumberland may only be served by firms based in Newcastle. If I were spending my own money, I would never use such a company, no matter their reputation, as it is more important to have a local base to contact in case of trouble. The structure of the schemes needs to change fundamentally to fully support the local building industry.
morphanyl
goals not realistic
This is a result of the desired outcome not being realistic nor achievable. Just because older housing is not suitable for heat-loss reduction does not mean it can be pre-adapted. There is a lack of awareness among those who set these goals. He should be publicly named as an example for future governments. It looks like McCluskey has put his head on a block.
Geoff Allibone
maybe we need new housing
Honestly, if so many homes have become worse or dangerous because of these actions, then rather than assuming that every installer is an incompetent cowboy, perhaps UK homes just don’t work with this type of work and should be pulled down and replaced with new housing. Obviously, this cannot happen overnight, but plans to refresh our housing stock must be implemented immediately.
Dessaux
civil service disability
Another example of civil service incompetence. What we really need is a fundamental change to be able to prosecute officers as they do in the US. All this will be is another investigation where the lawyers get rich, and no one is held accountable. Time and again, from Grenfell to grooming gangs to the Post Office, we are let down by public officials and have our lives ruined.
jsmill88
Mess
what a mess. I know people who are still waiting for solutions to the problems caused by cavity wall insulation. So God knows how long it will take to fix this mess. Proper supervision or inspection of works is not being done.
Sweetswing
new construction
We have neglected to install proper insulation for too long. It should definitely be installed as standard on all new buildings, and we should install solar panels on all south-facing roofs in new homes.
49niner
level up old assets
We have good insulation standards on new builds, and solar panels must be installed on all new build homes by 2027. Part of Britain’s problem is that we make old properties attractive on the basis of fake “heritage”, when we should be flattening them and starting again. At one time, “slum eradication” was seen as a desirable objective.
stevehill
Some comments in this article have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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