Community Action Northumberland (CAN) is deeply concerned by the findings of the National Audit Office’s report on government insulation schemes. The report highlights serious failings that have left thousands of households facing damp, mould and health risks — the very issues these schemes were designed to prevent.
As a charity working directly with rural and off-grid households, we see every day how vital it is that home energy improvements are high quality, well managed and properly supported. Poor installation not only wastes public money but damages trust and, most importantly, puts residents’ health and safety at risk.
We welcome the government’s commitment to ensure all affected homes are repaired at no cost to the consumer. However, this situation underlines the need for:
- Better oversight and quality assurance in national retrofit and insulation programmes.
- Investment in skilled local installers and trusted community partners who understand housing conditions on the ground.
- Clear, consistent standards and accountability at every stage of delivery.
CAN will continue to support residents across Northumberland to access safe, effective home energy improvements, and to provide independent advice on insulation, retrofit and affordable warmth.
Anyone in Northumberland concerned about damp, mould or energy efficiency following recent insulation works can contact our energy advice team for free, impartial guidance.
email: energ@ca-north.org.uk call: 01670 517178
