🚨 New from Citizens Advice: A Foamidable Challenge 🚨
A growing crisis in spray foam insulation 🏘️
1/ The spray foam market has boomed — but so have the problems.
Our new report reveals the serious risks facing homeowners after poor installs and rogue trader activity.
✔ A mandatory quality mark for installers
✔ A single Ombudsman for retrofit issues
✔ Legal action against rogue traders
✔ Better advice & redress for households
Insulating homes and upgrading heating systems will be vital to reaching net zero - and can make our homes warmer and cheaper to run. But when installations go wrong, consumers can struggle to get resolution, even when they’ve used accredited installers under Govt schemes
A 10% rise in energy bills comes at the worst time for millions of families who are still struggling. 1 in 4 people told us these costs could mean they’d have to turn off their heating or hot water. The govt must tackle this challenge and support those who need it most
This is devastating, I have volunteered in a local office and the people who work in them are some of the kindest, most devoted and hardest working people under immense pressure doing all they can to help their local community.
It is beyond words
The place set alight last night was Citizens Advice, Sunderland. Its manager this morning told me they’re devastated and now trying to figure out how to help the people they were supposed to see #sunderland
As someone who lives in an electric-only property, I know how expensive and inconvenient it can be not to be connected to the gas grid. This great blog from @NaomiSchraer shows how this situation can be even worse for those who use alternative fuels
Households that heat their homes with alternative fuels like oil and LPG face fluctuating prices in an unregulated market - and are often locked out of support
These homes need advice and support to move to secure, affordable low-carbon heating systems
https://t.co/6VfHlcjIYs
Last year over 3m households were in fuel poverty in England. And a shocking 9m would have had to spend over 10% of their income after housing costs to heat their homes properly.
That means millions at risk of falling into energy debt or living in a cold home.
4/ Lender Policies & Consumer Protection 🏦
Lenders must review policies in line with revised guidance for surveyors. Adhering to inspection guidelines for spray foam insulation is crucial. Homeowners, sellers and buyers must be given the support needed in order to gain finance.
5/ Government Action Needed 🏛️
The government must step up to regulate the retrofit market. Accreditation for installers is essential to ensure proper installation, preventing future issues. Let's learn from the challenges and protect homeowners from rogue traders.
3/ People need more protection
We are calling for specific action in this market from lenders to better support those already effected. As well as action from Govenment on protections needed in the retrofit market as a whole.
2/ The Rise in Complaints 📈
Incorrectly installed spray foam affects the ability to apply for finance. Recently we have seen complaints around spray foam insulation skyrocket. We saw a 45% rise in complaints from 2021 to 2022, with complaints remaining high for the past 2 years
1/ A Foamidable Challenge - Spray Foam Insulation: Breaking Down the Risks 🏡
As we tackle rising energy prices, many turn to insulation for savings. However, the growing popularity of spray foam insulation raises serious concerns. Here's what you need to know about this issue⬇️