LA Flex

Local Authority FLEX

Under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), your local council can extend eligibility through ‘flexible eligibility’ for those who may not qualify under the standard benefit criteria. Local authorities must declare applicants eligible, and the application process for this declaration is managed by the installer on behalf of the customer.

Participating local councils must ensure that eligible households are in private tenure and either experiencing fuel poverty or living on a low income, particularly if they are vulnerable to the effects of cold living conditions. Additionally, some homes that are not fuel-poor may qualify for solid wall insulation projects if a portion of the households involved are affected by fuel poverty or cold living conditions.

 

Am I eligible for ECO Flex funding?

If you do not receive any of the ECO4 qualifying benefits but you are still living in a low-income household (less than £31,000 per annum) and living in fuel poverty (spending more than 10% of your household income on heating) you may still qualify for measures via the ECO Flex scheme. There are a number of routes to determine your eligibility for this support.

Annual income

The income route focuses on gross annual income. Families are eligible if their total yearly income is below £31,000 (combined income, excluding children under 18 who are in full-time education.) Some of the evidence required will include recent bank statements for all adults, tax returns if self-employed, recent payslips and letters confirming pension awards. Renters will also need their tenancy agreement and permission from the landlord.

Health/Medical Conditions

This ECO Flex route decides who is eligible based on qualifying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, reduced mobility, and disorders that weaken the immune system. To apply this way, people must send a letter from an NHS healthcare worker, which must be signed by a GP and authenticated.

Other supporting documentation includes a council flex application with a wet signature, an NHS referral form or customer consent form, a picture ID, a council tax bill, a data declaration form, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and proof that you own your property. A tenancy agreement and permission from the landlord must also be shown for rented homes.

How do I apply for ECO Flex?

We understand that navigating the routes to funding can be confusing. That’s why we encourage those who are looking for support to use our eligibility checker to make the process of getting started much easier. Our advisor will review your information and walk you through the process step by step.