[meldrewreborn]

Reports in the media today that huge numbers of homes were blighted under this scheme.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3w965gz8zgo

The fact that so many homes were affected must give rise to the notion that External Wall insulation is not fit for purpose. Given that many older homes have solid, rather than cavity, walls and are difficult to insulate, must call for a rethink of the Government's whole approach to retrofitting of insulation, and the EPC regime that is due for considerable amendment in the near future.

The Government has suggested that if a home isn't EPC grade C or above, that it will not be able to be rented in a few years time, nor will it be mortgageable. So what if its not possible to improve the EPC assessment?

[Tommysgirl]

@meldrewreborn

I saw the report about it on the BBC lunchtime news, and agree with you: what if it's not possible to improve the EPC assessment? We may have to wait quite some time for an answer from the powers that be.

[meldrewreborn]

@Tommysgirl

If the answer has to come from "swivel eyed Ed's department we'll be waiting for ever.

But for those unaccustomed to this process, The National Audit Office is an arm of Parliament and its reports go the the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons. The committee in due course will summon the Permanent Secretary of the department(s) concerned for a face to face interrogation, after which the committee will write to the department concerned with its findings and demanding action . The department has to respond within a short timeframe.

However, all this takes time and only if enough MPs jump on this as an issue will meaningful change happen. The department will say its a past issue, not going to be repeated, and try to swerve any other awkward questions.

[meldrewreborn]

the issue basically comes down to this - the original wall of brick can to a certain extent breathe, when it gets wet it will absorb some of the water and release it over time. Once the wall is covered with the insulation and an impervious render, the idea is that the underlying wall will not get wet nor should it, because its ability to breathe will be near zero. So if water does get through you have BIG problems. and it seem it does in a very high percentage of cases.

Be angry people -we're ALL paying for this through our energy standing charges.