, Cabinet Secretary for
Housing and Local Government: Today, the UK Government announced the action it is
taking in response to poor quality workmanship by companies
installing solid wall insulation. This relates to two programmes
inherited by the new UK Government, the Energy Company
Obligations 4 (ECO4) scheme and the Great British Insulation
Scheme (GBIS), which operate across Great Britain.
I would like to thank the UK Minister for Energy Consumers for
contacting me about this issue and taking immediate action to
suspend installers and protect consumers. I met with the Minister
on 22 January, and we discussed the process she is leading to put
right the issues Trustmark has identified. I have received
assurances from the UK Government that any works to correct
deficiencies will be carried out swiftly and effectively, at the
installers' cost. My officials will receive regular updates from
their counterparts in the UK Government and I will be kept
informed of progress.
These schemes are separate to the Welsh Government's Warm Homes
Nest Scheme. Nest includes an independent quality assurance
service. Experts check the quality of scheme designs and visit
installers to inspect their work. This includes checks on
exterior and interior wall insulation projects. Any issues
identified are corrected immediately, before the installer is
paid for the work. In terms of our social housing retrofits,
expert personnel and rigorous processes within our partner
organisations significantly reduces the risk of poor workmanship
by contractors.
Finally, I know this news will be concerning to households in
Wales who have received solid wall insulation under the ECO4 or
GBIS schemes. Having discussed with the UK Minister, I have
confidence in the steps being taken to put
things right. Households affected by this will receive a letter
from Ofgem, which will outline steps to resolve any issues.
