This superseded Statement of Intent was published on 17 January 2024.

This statement sets out Westmorland and Furness Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme and Great British Insulation schemes which run until 2026.

The ECO4 scheme will focus on supporting low income and vulnerable households. The scheme will improve the least energy efficient homes helping to meet the Government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments. The Great British Insulation Scheme will support the ECO4 scheme in the delivery of predominantly single measures targeted at a wider range of households.

The flexible approach for Local Authorities (LAs) to identifying fuel poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures is referred to as “ECO4 Flex” and ‘’Great British Insulation Scheme Flex’’.

The Council welcomes the introduction of the ECO4 Flex eligibility routes as it helps the Council achieve its plans to improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold. 

The Council is publishing this Statement of Intent (SoI), on 27 October 2023 to confirm that each of the households declared will adhere to at least one of the four available routes outlined below.

Route one

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households with an income less than £31,000. This cap applies irrespective of the property size, composition, or region.

Route two

SAP bands E to G for owner-occupied households and private rented sector households that meet a combination of two of the following proxies. 

Proxies 1 and 3 cannot be used together. Proxy 5 is not in use. Proxy 7 cannot be used in combination with proxy 5 or 6.

Proxy 1

Homes in England in Lower-layer Super Output Area 1 to 3 (LSOA), or homes in Welsh provision LSOA 1 to 3 on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, or the Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2020, published by the Scottish Government

Proxy 2

Householders receiving a Council Tax reduction (based on low income only).

Proxy 3

Householders vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance. Only one from the list can be used, excludes the proxy ‘low income’. 

Proxy 4

A householder receiving free school meals due to low- income.

Proxy 6

A household referred to the LA for support by their energy supplier or Citizens Advice or Citizens Advice Scotland, because they have been identified as struggling to pay their electricity and/or gas bills. 

Proxy 7

This proxy is for supplier owned debt data and is listed here for information only. Households identified through energy supplier debt data. This route enables obligated suppliers to use their own debt data to identify either non pre-payment meter households (non-PPM), or pre-payment meter households (PPM). 

Non-PPM customers

These are customers who have been in debt for more than 13 weeks ending with the day on which the declaration is made, and are in a debt repayment plan with their energy supplier or repaying their fuel debt through third party deductions. 

PPM customers

Suppliers may also identify PPM households who:

• have either self-disconnected or received supplier discretionary or friendly credit within the last 13 weeks ending with the day on which the declaration is made
• are in a debt repayment plan with their energy supplier
• are repaying their fuel debt through 3rd party deductions

Route three

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied and private rented sector households that have been identified by either a person registered in:

• the General Practitioner Register
• a Scottish Health Board
• a Welsh Health Board
• an NHS Foundation Trust
• an NHS Trust as vulnerable

The registered person must identify an occupant whose health conditions may be adversely affected by living in a cold home. These health conditions must be cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related.

Route four

SAP band D to G Owner-occupied and private rented sector households that are referred under Route 4: Bespoke Targeting. Suppliers and LAs can submit an application to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero where they have identified new methods to identify low-income and vulnerable households. Applications need to demonstrate a number of factors, including that the proposed methodology is more effective at identifying households in fuel poverty than the criterion offered under routes one and two. 

Scheme eligibility

All potentially eligible households should apply through Westmorland and Furness Council or one of their approved ECO or Great British Insulation Scheme installers , if a list of approved installers is available, to see if they can either benefit from the scheme or be assessed for eligibility under any other relevant programme. 

An LA officer (not a third party working on behalf of an LA) will be responsible for checking, and verifying evidence, and issuing declarations. 

General enquires

For any general enquiries relating to this SoI please contact us. 

Louise Jeffery 
Job Title: Interim Strategic Lead – Home Improvement Agency 
Telephone: 01768 212 451 
Email: Louise.Jeffery@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Patrick Jenner 
Job Title: Technical Energy Officer 
Telephone: 01768 212 447 
Email: Patrick.Jenner@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Lee Curren 
Job Title: Interim Strategic Lead-Private Sector Housing 
Telephone: 07500 052 696 
Email: Lee.Curren@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Amy Servini 
Job Title: Housing Standards Specialist 
Telephone: 01539 793 532 
Email: Amy.Servini@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Chris Jones 
Job Title: Head of Programme Management and Climate Change 
Telephone: 01229 876 351 
Email: Chris.Jones@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

CEO or dedicated responsible person mandatory signature 

Westmorland and Furness Council will administer the ECO 4 Flex scheme according to the Electricity and Gas Order (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2022 (ECO4A Order). The Council will administer the Great British Insulation Scheme Flex according to the Electricity and Gas (Energy Company Obligation) Order 2023 (ECO4A Order).

The CEO or dedicated responsible person of the Council will oversee the process of identifying eligible households under ECO Flex and Great British Insulation Scheme Flex. The Council will notify Ofgem of households that declarations have been issued for via the declaration notification template.

All personal data collected or processed by Westmorland and Furness Council for the purposes of ECO4 Flex or Great British Insulation Scheme Flex will be processed and stored in accordance with:

• the Council’s obligations under UK GDPR
• the Data Protection Act 2018
• the Council’s data protection policy
• the Information Commissioner’s Office Data Sharing Code and other guidance
• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero guidance

Steph Cordon 
Job Title: Director Thriving Communities 
Date of signature: 31 October 2023 

Please contact us with any enquiries.

Email: better.homes@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 
Telephone: 01768 212 348

This superseded Statement of Intent was published on 27 October 2023.

This statement sets out Westmorland and Furness Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme from April 2022 to March 2026.

The ECO4 scheme will focus on supporting low income and vulnerable households. The scheme will improve the least energy efficient homes helping to meet the Government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments. 

The flexible approach for Local Authorities (LAs) to identifying fuel poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures is referred to as “ECO4 Flex”. 

The Council welcomes the introduction of the ECO4 Flex eligibility routes as it helps the Council achieve its plans to improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold. 

The Council is publishing this Statement of Intent (SoI), on 27 October 2023 to confirm that each of the households declared will adhere to at least one of the four available routes outlined below.

Route one

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households with an income less than £31,000. This cap applies irrespective of the property size, composition, or region.

Route two

SAP bands E to G for owner-occupied households and private rented sector households that meet a combination of two of the following proxies. Proxies 1 and 3 cannot be used together.

Proxy 1

Homes in England in Lower-layer Super Output Area 1 to 3 (LSOA), or homes in Welsh provision LSOA 1 to 3 on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, or the Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2020, published by the Scottish Government.

Proxy 2

Householders receiving a Council Tax reduction (based on low income only). 

Proxy 3

Householders vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance. Only one from the list can be used, excludes the proxy ‘low income’. 

Proxy 4

A householder receiving free school meals due to low-income. 

Proxy 5

A householder supported by a LA run scheme, that has been named and described by the LA as supporting low income and vulnerable households for the purposes of NICE Guideline.

Proxy 6

A household referred to the LA for support by their energy supplier or Citizen's Advice or Citizen’s Advice Scotland, because they have been identified as struggling to pay their electricity and gas bills.

Route three

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households that have been identified by their doctor or GP as low-income and vulnerable, with an occupant whose health conditions may be impacted further by living in a cold home. These health conditions may be cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related. 

This is because the Council has identified a positive correlation between households who suffer from long-term health conditions and living off a low-income, with living in poorly insulated homes. 

Route four

SAP band D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households that are referred under Route 4: Bespoke Targeting. Suppliers and LAs can submit an application to BEIS where they have identified a low income and vulnerable household, who are not already eligible under the exiting routes. 

Declaration and evidence check confirmation 

All potentially eligible households should apply through Westmorland and Furness Council or one of their approved ECO installers to ensure that they can either benefit from the scheme or be assessed for eligibility under any other relevant programme. 

The officers below will be responsible for checking and verifying declarations and associated evidence submitted on behalf of the local authority. 

Sam Taylor 
Job Title: Technical Energy Officer 
Telephone: 01768 212 159 
Email: Sam.Taylor@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Louise Jeffery 
Job Title: Housing Services Manager 
Telephone: 01768 212 451
Email: Louise.Jeffery@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

Lee Curren 
Job Title: Principal Specialist (Housing Standards/Disabled Facilities Grants)
Telephone: 07500 052 696 
Email: Lee.Curren@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Chris Jones 
Job Title: Head of Programme Management and Climate Change 
Telephone: 01229 876 351
Email: Chris.Jones@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

CEO or dedicated responsible person mandatory signature 

Westmorland and Furness Council will administer the scheme according to BEIS’ ECO4 Order and will identify eligible households via Ofgem’s application process. The CEO of the Council will oversee the process of identifying eligible households under ECO4 Flex. 

The eligibility information will be stored securely in line with the Council’s data protection policy, Information Commissioner’s Office Data Sharing Code, and BEIS guidance. 

Steph Cordon 
Job Title: Director Thriving Communities 
Date of signature: 31 October 2023 

General enquires 

Please contact us with any enquiries.

Email: better.homes@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 
Telephone: 01768 212 348

This superseded Statement of Intent was published on 10 May 2023.

This statement sets out Eden District Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme from April 2022 to March 2026. 

This ECO Flex scheme is only being administered for the Eden area of Westmorland and Furness.

The ECO4 scheme will focus on supporting low income and vulnerable households. The scheme will improve the least energy efficient homes helping to meet the Government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments.

The flexible approach for Local Authorities (LAs) to identifying fuel poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures is referred to as “ECO4 Flex”.

The Council welcomes the introduction of the ECO4 Flex eligibility routes as it helps the Council achieve its plans to improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold.

The Council is publishing this Statement of Intent (SoI), on the 10 May 2023 to confirm that each of the households declared will adhere to at least one of the four available routes outlined below.

Route one

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households with an income less than £31,000. This cap applies irrespective of the property size, composition, or region. 

Route two 

SAP bands E to G for owner-occupied households and private rented sector households that meet a combination of two of the following proxies. Proxies 1 and 3 cannot be used together. 

Proxy 1

Homes in England in Lower-layer Super Output Area 1 to 3 (LSOA), or homes in Welsh provision LSOA 1 to 3 on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, or the Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2020, published by the Scottish Government.

Proxy 2

Householders receiving a Council Tax reduction (based on low income only).

Proxy 3

Householders vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance. Only one from the list can be used, excludes the proxy ‘low income’. 

Proxy 4

A householder receiving free school meals due to low-income. 

Proxy 5

A householder supported by a LA run scheme, that has been named and described by the LA as supporting low income and vulnerable households for the purposes of NICE Guideline.

Proxy 6

A household referred to the LA for support by their energy supplier or Citizen's Advice or Citizen’s Advice Scotland, because they have been identified as struggling to pay their electricity and gas bills.

Route three

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households that have been identified by their doctor or GP as low-income and vulnerable, with an occupant whose health conditions may be impacted further by living in a cold home. These health conditions may be cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related.

This is because the Council has identified a positive correlation between households who suffer from long-term health conditions and living off a low-income, with living in poorly insulated homes. 

Route four

SAP band D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households that are referred under Route 4: Bespoke Targeting. Suppliers and LAs can submit an application to BEIS where they have identified a low income and vulnerable household, who are not already eligible under the exiting routes. 

Declaration and evidence check confirmation

All potentially eligible households should apply through Eden District Council or one of their approved ECO installers to ensure that they can either benefit from the scheme or be assessed for eligibility under any other relevant programme. 

The officer below will be responsible for checking and verifying declarations and associated evidence submitted on behalf of the local authority.

Primary contact details

Sam Taylor 
Job Title: Technical Energy Officer 
Telephone: 01768 212 159 
Email: sam.taylor@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Secondary contact details

Louise Jeffery 
Job Title: Housing Services Manager 
Telephone: 01768 212 451 
Email: Louise.Jeffery@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk  

CEO or dedicated responsible person mandatory signature

Westmorland and Furness Council will administer the scheme according to BEIS' ECO4 Order and will identify eligible households via Of gem's application process. The CEO of the Council will oversee the process of identifying eligible households under ECO4 Flex. 

The eligibility information will be stored securely in line with the Council's data protection policy, Information Commissioner's Office Data Sharing Code, and BEIS guidance.

Steph Cordon
Job title: Director of Thriving Communities
Date of signature: 5 May 2023

General enquiries

Please contact us with enquiries relating to this Statement of Intent. 

Email: better.homes@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

This superseded Statement of Intent was published on 11 January 2023.

This statement sets out Eden District Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme from April 2022 to March 2026. 

The ECO4 scheme will focus on supporting low income and vulnerable households. The scheme will improve the least energy efficient homes helping to meet the Government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments. 

The flexible approach for Local Authorities (LAs) to identifying fuel poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures is referred to as “ECO4 Flex”. 

The Council welcomes the introduction of the ECO4 Flex eligibility routes as it helps the Council achieve its plans to improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold. The Council is publishing this Statement of Intent (SoI), on the 11/01/2023 to confirm that each of the households declared will adhere to at least one of the four available routes outlined below.

Route one

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households with an income less than £31,000. This cap applies irrespective of the property size, composition, or region.

Route two

SAP bands E to G for owner-occupied households and private rented sector households that meet a combination of two of the following proxies. Proxies 1 and 3 cannot be used together.

Proxy 1

Homes in England in Lower-layer Super Output Area 1 to 3 (LSOA), or homes in Welsh provision LSOA 1 to 3 on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, or the Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2020, published by the Scottish Government.

Proxy 2

Householders receiving a Council Tax reduction (based on low income only). 

Proxy 3

Householders vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance. Only one from the list can be used, excludes the proxy ‘low income’. 

Proxy 4

A householder receiving free school meals due to low-income. 

Proxy 5

A householder supported by a LA run scheme, that has been named and described by the LA as supporting low income and vulnerable households for the purposes of NICE Guideline.

Proxy 6

A household referred to the LA for support by their energy supplier or Citizen's Advice or Citizen’s Advice Scotland, because they have been identified as struggling to pay their electricity and gas bills.

Route three

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households that have been identified by their doctor or GP as low-income and vulnerable, with an occupant whose health conditions may be impacted further by living in a cold home. These health conditions may be cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related. 

This is because the Council has identified a positive correlation between households who suffer from long-term health conditions and living off a low-income, with living in poorly insulated homes. 

Route four

SAP band D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households that are referred under Route 4: Bespoke Targeting. Suppliers and LAs can submit an application to BEIS where they have identified a low income and vulnerable household, who are not already eligible under the exiting routes. 

Declaration and evidence check confirmation

All potentially eligible households should apply through Eden District Council or one of their approved ECO installers to ensure that they can either benefit from the scheme or be assessed for eligibility under any other relevant programme. 

The officer below will be responsible for checking and verifying declarations and associated evidence submitted on behalf of the local authority.

Sam Taylor 
Job Title: Home Improvement Principal Energy Officer 
Telephone: 01768 212 159 
Email: sam.taylor@eden.gov.uk

CEO or dedicated responsible person mandatory signature

Eden District Council will administer the scheme according to BEIS' ECO4 Order and will identify eligible households via Of gem's application process. The CEO of the Council will oversee the process of identifying eligible households under ECO4 Flex. 

The eligibility information will be stored securely in line with the Council's data protection policy, Information Commissioner's Office Data Sharing Code, and BEIS guidance.

Paul Sutton
Job title: Interim Director of Resources

General enquiries

Please contact us with enquiries relating to this Statement of Intent. 

Email: better.homes@eden.gov.uk 

This superseded Statement of Intent was published on 1 July 2022.

This statement sets out Eden District Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme from April 2022 – March 2026.

The ECO4 scheme will focus on supporting low income and vulnerable households. The scheme will improve the least energy efficient homes helping to meet the Government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments.

The flexible approach for Local Authorities (LAs) to identifying fuel poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures is referred to as “ECO4 Flex".

The Council welcomes the introduction of the ECO4 Flex eligibility routes as it helps the Council achieve its plans to improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold. The Council is publishing this Statement of Intent (SoI), on 1 July 2022 to confirm that each of the households declared will adhere to at least one of the four available routes outlined below.

Route one

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households with an income less than £31,000. This cap applies irrespective of the property size, composition, or region.

Route two

SAP bands E to G households that meet a combination of two of the following proxies. Proxies 1 and 5 cannot be used together.

Proxy 1

Homes in England in Lower-layer Super Output Area 1 to 3 (LSOA), or homes in Welsh provision LSOA 1 to 3 on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, or the Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2020, published by the Scottish Government.

Proxy 2

Householders receiving a Council Tax reduction (based on low income only, excluding single person rebates).

Proxy 3

Householders vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance. Only one from the list can be used, excludes the proxy ‘low income’. 

Proxy 4

A householder receiving free school meals due to low-income. 

Proxy 5

A householder supported by a LA run scheme, that has been named and described by the LA as supporting low income and vulnerable households for the purposes of NICE Guideline.

Proxy 6

A household referred to the LA for support by their energy supplier or Citizen's Advice or Citizen’s Advice Scotland, because they have been identified as struggling to pay their electricity and gas bills.

Route three

SAP bands D to G households that have been identified by their doctor or GP as low-income and vulnerable, with an occupant whose health conditions may be impacted further by living in a cold home. These health conditions may be cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related. 

This is because the Council has identified a positive correlation between households who suffer from long-term health conditions and living off a low-income, with living in poorly insulated homes.

Route four

SAP band D to G households that are referred under Route 4: Bespoke Targeting. Suppliers and LAs can submit an application to BEIS where they have identified a low income and vulnerable household, who are not already eligible under the exiting routes. 

Declaration and evidence check confirmation

All potentially eligible households should apply through Eden District Council or one of their approved ECO installers to ensure that they can either benefit from the scheme or be assessed for eligibility under any other relevant programme. 

The officer below will be responsible for checking and verifying declarations and associated evidence submitted on behalf of the local authority.

Sam Taylor 
Job Title: Technical Energy Officer 
Telephone: 01768 212 159 
Email: better.homes@eden.gov.uk

CEO or dedicated responsible person mandatory signature

Eden District Council will administer the scheme according to BEIS' ECO4 Order and will identify eligible households via Of gem's application process. The CEO of the Council will oversee the process of identifying eligible households under ECO4 Flex. 

The eligibility information will be stored securely in line with the Council's data protection policy, Information Commissioner's Office Data Sharing Code, and BEIS guidance.

Les Clark
Job title: Director of People, Place and Governance (dedicated responsible person)

General enquiries

Please contact us with enquiries relating to this Statement of Intent. 

Email: better.homes@eden.gov.uk 

This superseded Statement of Intent was published on 14 September 2022.

This statement sets out Barrow Borough Council's flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme from April 2022 to March 2026.

The ECO4 scheme will focus on supporting low income and vulnerable households. The scheme will improve the least energy efficient homes helping to meet the Government's fuel poverty and net zero commitments.

The flexible approach for Local Authorities (LAs) to identifying fuel poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures is referred to as "ECO4 Flex".

The Council welcomes the introduction of the ECO4 Flex eligibility routes as it helps the Council achieve its plans to improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold.

The Council is publishing this Statement of Intent (Sol), on the 14 September 2022 to confirm that each of the households declared will adhere to at least one of the four available routes outlined below.

Route one

SAP bands D to G owner-occupied households and private rented sector E to G households with an income less than £31,000. This cap applies irrespective of the property size, composition, or region.

Route two

SAP bands E to G households that meet a combination of two of the following proxies. Proxies 1 and 5 cannot be used together.

Proxy 1

Homes in England in Lower-layer Super Output Area 1 to 3 (LSOA), or homes in Welsh provision LSOA 1 to 3 on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, or the Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2020, published by the Scottish Government.

Proxy 2

Householders receiving a Council Tax reduction (based on low income only, excluding single person rebates).

Proxy 3

Householders vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance. Only one from the list can be used, excludes the proxy ‘low income’. 

Proxy 4

A householder receiving free school meals due to low-income. 

Proxy 5

A householder supported by a LA run scheme, that has been named and described by the LA as supporting low income and vulnerable households for the purposes of NICE Guideline.

Proxy 6

A household referred to the LA for support by their energy supplier or Citizen's Advice or Citizen’s Advice Scotland, because they have been identified as struggling to pay their electricity and gas bills.

Route three

SAP bands D to G households that have been identified by their doctor or GP as low-income and vulnerable, with an occupant whose health conditions may be impacted further by living in a cold home. These health conditions may be cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related. 

This is because the Council has identified a positive correlation between households who suffer from long-term health conditions and living off a low-income, with living in poorly insulated homes.

Route four

SAP band D to G households that are referred under Route 4: Bespoke Targeting. Suppliers and LAs can submit an application to BEIS where they have identified a low income and vulnerable household, who are not already eligible under the exiting routes. 

Declaration and evidence check confirmation

All potentially eligible households should apply through Barrow Borough Council or one of their approved ECO installers to ensure that they can either benefit from the scheme or be assessed for eligibility under any other relevant programme. 

The officer below will be responsible for checking and verifying declarations and associated evidence submitted on behalf of the local authority.

Chris Jones
Job Title: Head of Programme Management and Climate Change
Telephone: 01229 876 543
Email: cwjones@barrowbc.gov.uk 

CEO or dedicated responsible person mandatory signature

The Barrow Borough Council will administer the scheme according to BEIS' ECO4 Order and will identify eligible households via Of gem's application process. The CEO of the Council will oversee the process of identifying eligible households under ECO4 Flex. 

The eligibility information will be stored securely in line with the Council's data protection policy, Information Commissioner's Office Data Sharing Code, and BEIS guidance.

Sam Plum
Job title: CEO/ dedicated responsible person
Date of signature: 14 September 2022

General enquiries

Please contact us with enquiries relating to this Statement of Intent. 

Email: privatehousing@barrowbc.gov.uk 

This superseded Statement of Intent was published on 26 August 2022.

This statement sets out South Lakeland District Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme from April 2022 to March 2026.

The ECO4 scheme will focus on supporting low income and vulnerable households. The scheme will improve the least energy efficient homes helping to meet the Government’s fuel poverty and net zero commitments.

The flexible approach for Local Authorities (LAs) to identifying fuel poor and vulnerable households who may benefit from heating and energy saving measures is referred to as “ECO4 Flex”.

The Council welcomes the introduction of the ECO4 Flex eligibility routes as it helps the Council achieve its plans to improve the homes of those in fuel poverty or vulnerable to the cold.

The Council is publishing this Statement of Intent (SoI), on 26 August 2022 to confirm that each of the households declared will adhere to at least one of the four available routes outlined below.

Route one

SAP bands D to G households with an income less than £31,000. This cap applies irrespective of the property size, composition, or region.  

Route two

SAP bands E to G households that meet a combination of two of the following proxies. Proxies 1 and 3 cannot be used together.

Proxy 1

Homes in England in Lower-layer Super Output Area 1 to 3 (LSOA), or homes in Welsh provision LSOA 1 to 3 on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019, or the Index of Multiple Deprivation for 2020, published by the Scottish Government.

Proxy 2

Householders receiving a Council Tax rebate (rebates based on low income only, excludes single person rebates).  

Proxy 3

Householders vulnerable to living in a cold home as identified in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidance. Only one from the list can be used, excludes the proxy ‘low income’.

Proxy 4

A householder receiving free school meals due to low-income.

Proxy 5

A householder supported by a LA run scheme, that has been named and described by the LA as supporting low income and vulnerable households for the purposes of NICE Guideline.

Proxy 6

A household referred to the LA for support by their energy supplier or Citizen's Advice or Citizen’s Advice Scotland, because they have been identified as struggling to pay their electricity and gas bills.

Route three

SAP bands D to G households that have been identified by their doctor or GP as low-income and vulnerable, with an occupant whose health conditions may be impacted further by living in a cold home. These health conditions may be cardiovascular, respiratory, immunosuppressed, or limited mobility related. This is because the Council has identified a positive correlation between households who suffer from long-term health conditions and living off a low-income, with living in poorly insulated homes.

Route four

SAP band D to G households that are referred under Route 4: Bespoke Targeting. Suppliers and LAs can submit an application to The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) where they have identified a low income and vulnerable household, who are not already eligible under the exiting routes. 

Declaration and evidence check confirmation

All potentially eligible households should apply through Eden District Council or one of their approved ECO installers to ensure that they can either benefit from the scheme or be assessed for eligibility under any other relevant programme.

The officer below will be responsible for checking and verifying declarations and associated evidence submitted on behalf of the local authority.

Rebekah Beavis
Job Title: Specialist, Housing Standards
Telephone: 01539 793 442 
Email: housingstandards@southlakeland.gov.uk 

CEO or dedicated responsible person mandatory signature  

South Lakeland District Council will administer the scheme according to The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) ECO4 Order and will identify eligible households via Ofgem’s application process. The CEO of the Council will oversee the process of identifying eligible households under ECO4 Flex.

The eligibility information will be stored securely in line with the Council’s data protection policy, Information Commissioner’s Office Data Sharing Code, and BEIS guidance.

Simon Rowley 
Job Title: Director of Customer and Commercial Services 
Date of signature: 23 August 2022 

General enquiries

Please contact us with enquiries relating to this Statement of Intent. 

Email: housingstandards@southlakeland.gov.uk