DfC consults on retrofit approach in fuel poverty plan

The Department for Communities (DfC) has today launched a public consultation on its proposed Warm Healthy Homes Fund, due to be introduced in 2027.

The Fund is intended to replace the Affordable Warmth Scheme to become the Department’s “principal long-term sustainable solution to fuel poverty” by delivering energy efficiency measures to low-income households.

The Fund is aiming to invest approximately £150 million over the first five years.

Consultation detail

The following proposals may be of interest to architects and others working in the built environment:

• Conduct home assessments as the first step in a “whole house” approach, ensuring that measures are installed in a priority order that delivers the greatest benefit to a property.
• Prioritise improvements to a building “fabric first”, ensuring that insulation, ventilation and draught-proofing are completed before any other measures are installed.
• Replace heating systems only where they are absent or beyond economic repair, with air source heat pumps as the primary heating solution unless not technically feasible.

Engagement events

The Department is hosting three consultation events on the Fund; details are set out below:

Have your say

The full consultation document can be accessed here, and the deadline for responses is Wednesday 19 August 2026.

RSUA is preparing a response to this consultation. If you would like to share your views, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk