Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what representations he has received on companies using funding from the public purse to install sub-standard and faulty cavity wall insulation; and if he will make a statement.

The Energy Company Obligation is funded by energy suppliers through regulation, rather than from the public purse. For the installation of cavity wall insulation to be eligible for the scheme, it is required to come with a 25-year guarantee. This would cover cases where sub-standard or faulty insulation may be installed.

The Government has received a number of representations, and is aware through discussions with industry, of some examples of poor practice and quality in the installation of energy efficiency measures. To help improve quality and consumer confidence, the Government commissioned the independent Each Home Counts review, led by Dr. Peter Bonfield, which published its report in December 2016. Implementation of Each Home Counts is being led by industry with the support of Government, in line with the recommendations of the review.

One of the main recommendations from the Review was to establish a quality mark for retrofit energy efficiency and renewable energy measures including cavity wall insulation, to help offer a clear and consistent standard for consumers. Those businesses who wish to use the quality mark will need to adhere to a consumer charter and code of conduct, which will ensure all consumers have access to a clear redress process and guarantee protection.