Bedford Borough Council is working to introduce another energy efficiency programme to help residents reduce their energy costs.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) was first introduced in 2013 and places legal obligations on energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency and heating measures to domestic premises.
The aim is to reduce home heating costs for low-income, fuel-poor and vulnerable people.
It incorporates the replacement of broken heating systems, the upgrade of inefficient systems and the installation of insulation.
The Climate Change Committee heard on Monday (14 November) that the Local Authority Flexible Eligibility ‘flex’ mechanism allows councils to extend the ECO qualifying criteria.
This will allow more residents to benefit from the latest round of funding (ECO4), which is separate to the Sustainable Warmth Scheme.
Paul Pace, chief officer environment, said: “This initial phase runs to March 31, 2026, so we haven’t fully launched into this at the moment.
“We’re just working on a memorandum of understanding with Luton Borough Council.
“They have a proven background to this, and they have an officer that manages the whole process.
“It doesn’t cost the council, or the council taxpayer, any money whatsoever, the actual cost of processing the applications that Luton may charge us can then be claimed back through the scheme itself.
“Central Bedfordshire Council is also looking at Luton to manage their flexibility scheme going forward.
“We hope to be in a position of launching that if it’s not late this year it will certainly be early next year.
“And that will carry on into 2026 and give us a huge opportunity to get more people involved,” he said.
The report to the committee said ECO4 eligibility requirements are still being finalised by the government, but it will “target those living in fuel poverty”.
If residents are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living they discover what support may be available on the council’s website.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
