Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted in Part
Homeowners lack impartial, personalised advice for decarbonising homes, finding the process confusing.
Recommendation
In response to our question about how DESNZ ensured customers had access to proper information to make decisions about investment and running costs, the Department explained that it provided information through its online tools on heat pump suitability and retrofit options to make homes cheaper to heat, and a phone line service providing households in England with advice about how to improve the energy performance of their homes. Research published by Energy Saving Trust in December 2023, and the written evidence it submitted to us, however, highlighted a lack of impartial, personalised support as a major barrier to decarbonising homes, with almost half (48%) of homeowners in England unsure where to get independent, impartial advice on making improvements to reduce their homes’ emissions. It told us that the current process for households looking to decarbonise their homes was “complex and confusing”, which left people unsure where to find trusted information about what measures are suitable for their property. It also cautioned that financial support alone will be insufficient to increase uptake of low-carbon heating if not accompanied by impartial, tailored advice services that guide consumers through the process.30
Government Response Summary
Government agrees with the recommendation and is making specific improvements to its Heat Pump Home Suitability tool to provide better information, while also stating broader improvements will be set out in the Warm Homes Plan.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: to be confirmed 2.2 The implementation of recommendations is dependent on further steers from new ministers, and the department will inform the new Committee as soon as an implementation date is agreed. 2.3 The government has a range of activities to make it easier for consumers to switch to low carbon heating. The government provides advice and support in several areas, including the Heat Pump Home Suitability Tool and Find Ways to Save Energy in your home tool which provide bespoke advice to consumers on clean heat and energy efficiency upgrades they can make to their homes, and signposts grant support and further information. This is supplemented by a phoneline service, and the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator programme which will gather evidence on the best ways to engage consumers on a local level on home decarbonisation. 2.4 The government is making improvements to its Heat Pump Home Suitability tool which will include localised links, advice on pipework and radiators, as well as the impact of additional energy efficiency measures such as system upgrades and insulation. 2.5 The government will set out in the Warm Homes Plan how to further improve the heat pump landscape to make it easier for consumers to navigate.