Propertymark wants the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy to widen access to cash help to those that need it and to ensure the application process is streamlined for landlords and property agents.

The BEIS has consulted on proposals and delivery of the Energy Company Obligation – a programme to deliver energy efficiency measures in homes including the rapid installation of energy efficiency measures. This is part of a government push to help those on the lowest incomes and those in the least energy-efficient homes in lower council tax bands.  

In its response to the consultation, Propertymark has called for the delivery of new eco-efficient improvements to be as straightforward as possible to allow access for landlords and property agents. 

The trade body doesn’t pull its punches, saying that past progress to improve the energy efficiency of owner-occupied and privately rented homes was hampered by the old Green Homes Grant insistence on tradespersons being TrustMark accredited and registered with the GHG. 

“Standards need to be met but stipulating that traders must register to the scheme diluted the number of eligible tradespeople, especially in rural areas” says Propertymark.

Instead, Propertymark suggests future schemes should be widened to older people and those that are particularly vulnerable to the cold such as those with respiratory illnesses. 

“We also stated eligibility in Wales should be widened beyond council tax band C due to an increased number of people impacted by the rise in energy bills. All rural communities in Wales and Scotland, which already do not have access to targeted support in England, should be eligible for ECO Plus regardless of whether properties are connected to the gas grid or not” says Propertymark.

To support landlords who have invested in properties rated with an F and G Environmental Performance Certificate, Propertymark warns of the danger of these investors being excluded from funding and having ‘trapped assets’ with no support for improvements. 

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Letting Agent Today returns on Tuesday January 3 2023, and wishes all readers and their families a successful New Year and a well-deserved break!