https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/29/insulation-scheme-cuts-winter-warning-retrofit-firms

E3G thinktank warns retrofit sector could shed 10,000 skilled jobs as small firms struggle to survive

Cuts to a scheme for insulation and heatpumps for low-income households will leave homes damp, draughty and unsafe over winter, experts have said.

Housing have asked for a one-year extension to the scheme to ensure continuity and prevent small retrofit firms going bust. Companies say funding for solar panels and insulation is already being withdrawn, leaving homes cold and draughty as winter sets in.

Rachel Reeves announced in her budget that she would cut £150 a year from the average energy bill, partly financed by axing the £1.3bn energy company obligation (ECO) scheme that helped fund upgrades for homes owned or rented by households earning under £31,000.

This scheme is due to be end in March. The government plans to launch a “warm homes plan” to provide funding for heat pumps, insulation and other home upgrades but this has been beset by delays.

Experts have said this will affect an estimated 222,000 future retrofit projects that would have cut bills for low-income households.

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https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/29/insulation-scheme-cuts-winter-warning-retrofit-firms