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Tunisha Kapooruk100
Project overview
This project will investigate how local authorities can effectively support and enforce improved energy performance standards in the private rented sector to reduce energy poverty among vulnerable and low-to-middle-income renters.
Why this project is important
Millions of households in the private rented sector remain in poorly insulated, energy-inefficient homes. In 2022, 44% of households in this sector were classified as fuel-poor, spending a disproportionate share of their income on energy bills. Despite national ambitions to raise EPC ratings to “C” by 2030, enforcement remains limited, with only 147 fines issued by councils in recent years. Gaps in compliance mechanisms and funding structures leave renters exposed to substandard housing.
This research team aim to address this gap by answering two questions:
- What are the barriers and enablers for local authorities to support and enforce EPC standards and reduce fuel poverty?
- How can councils design and deliver financial support mechanisms, such as grants and/or subsidies, to enable home retrofitting without placing the burden on renters?
What the research will involve
The research will involve:
- Analysing the policy landscape, funding mechanisms, and gaps in the retrofit system.
- Conducting interviews and focus groups with local authorities, landlords, tenants, and finance stakeholders to identify practical barriers and solutions.
- Developing recommendations for national policy reforms.
- Creating and testing a practical toolkit to support councils in enforcement and retrofit delivery.
- Testing and refining solutions with five local authorities, documenting outcomes and lessons learned.
How the research will make a difference
Findings will be shared with key stakeholders, including local authorities, national government, Parliamentarians, and sector partners. Findings will be shared through the “Locked Out of Warmth” report, enforcement and retrofit toolkit, policy briefs, webinars, regional roundtables, and case studies.
