30,000 homes left with damp and mould as government calls insulation rollout a 'systemic failure'

"More than 30,000 UK homes have received poor-quality insulation under the ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh admitted - calling it a "systemic failure." Many of the affected properties are in lower-income regions, notably Luton and County Durham, where reports of mould, damp and crumbling walls have emerged. The revelation has fuelled fears that flaws in Britain's retrofit schemes are not isolated mistakes but part of a recurring pattern."

"The government's preliminary audit indicates that over 30,000 homes receiving wall insulation under ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) - launched in April 2022 and May 2023, respectively - failed to meet required standards. Reports of black mould, peeling plaster and unsafe living conditions have been particularly prolific in areas like Luton and County Durham."

"One homeowner in Luton spoke of being unable to sleep in his bedroom due to extensive damp and mould, describing the experience as a "nightmare," while local reports from County Durham echo similar distress. Ministers have noted that these issues are primarily connected to solid wall insulation, while other measures under the same schemes - such as those administered through local authorities or social housing - show higher compliance rates."

More than 30,000 UK homes received poor-quality insulation under the ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), with the issue described as a "systemic failure" by Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh. The majority of reported problems relate to solid wall insulation and include black mould, peeling plaster, damp and crumbling walls, particularly in Luton and County Durham. A government's preliminary audit found the work failed to meet required standards. Other measures administered through local authorities or in social housing show higher compliance. The situation echoes earlier retrofit failures such as the Green Homes Grant and the Renewable Heat Incentive.

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