The Retrofit System Reform Advisory Panel has been established by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in response to several instances of poor-quality solid wall insulation installations that necessitated remediation or repair
The Retrofit System Reform Advisory Panel will examine the evidence and must create a new, streamlined framework for retrofit standards that considers consumer redress, compliance, and enforcement.
This includes accreditation of installers, audit powers, and quality assurance systems. The panel will also discuss the skills gap in the sector and how to ensure that installers possess the necessary skills.
This new framework will apply across the UK, disregarding the devolution of retrofit policy, with bodies being established to ensure vigilance over the plan.
The board is made up of:
• Adam Scorer, chief executive, National Energy Action
• Gillian Cooper, director of energy, Citizens Advice
• Anthony Pygram, member of the Committee on Fuel Poverty
• Marion Baeli, principal, Sustainability Transformation, Egis
• Dr Hywel Davies, head of insight, Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
• Lynne Sullivan OBE, Board Chair, National Retrofit Hub
• Charlotte Lee, chief executive, Heat Pump Association
• Brian Berry, chief executive, Federation of Master Builders
This panel seeks to gather insight from leading members of industry, as well as regulatory and consumer protection experts.
Poor quality insulation has led to the reforms
The alarming amount of poor quality insulation was discovered last year by TrustMark, an independent body overseeing tradespeople working in homes. They found that many instances of the solid wall insulation was substandard, including incomplete paperwork, insufficient ventilation, missing or exposed insulation, and damp and mould risks.
39 firms involved in the installation of the poor-quality solid wall insulation were suspended for violating the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and no longer have access to the Great British Insulation Scheme framework.
At the time, minister for energy consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: “I know this news will be concerning for people who have had external or internal wall insulation fitted through either scheme we have inherited.
“That is why we are taking action to put this right, forcing installers to fix any poor-quality installations as soon as possible and at their own expense.
“Affected households should look out for a letter from Ofgem, which will set out steps to resolve any issues.
“It is clear the existing system of protections for consumers we inherited is in dire need of reform. This will be front and centre of our Warm Homes Plan, as we work to make sure no households are let down in this way again.”
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