Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has published the Statement of Intent to enable contractors with access to ECO funding to be guided as to the use of ECO LA-Flex

The Energy Company Obligation Regulations 2018 - 22 (ECO3) allows local authorities to set their own criteria for eligibility for funding for domestic energy efficiency measures. Energy companies can spend up to a maximum of 25% of their full obligation within this local authority defined criteria.

The inability to keep warm at home is more than just a comfort issue; it has real impacts on

peoples' health and well-being and on community spirit. Additionally, trying to adequately heat an energy-inefficient home results in considerable unnecessary emissions and can drain a family of money. In signing this Statement of Intent Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council welcomes the Flexible Eligibility powers for Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Affordable Warmth grant as a means to help address fuel poverty and to promote affordable warmth.

These powers will allow Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to provide affordable warmth assistance to fuel poor households, that are not eligible under the existing criteria, and to low income households that are vulnerable to the effects of cold.

It must be explicit that the final decision on whether an individual household receives an ECO measure is made by the energy suppliers or their agents/contractors. Inclusion in a Declaration issued by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will not guarantee installation of measures. The final decision will depend upon:

• The survey carries out by the supplier's contractors and the installation costs calculated
• The energy savings that can be achieved for a property
• Whether suppliers have achieved their targets or require further measures to meet their Energy Company Obligation targets.

Households across Stockton-on-Tees Borough will be considered as eligible for flexible eligibility ECO if they meet the following criteria: (Checking eligibility is set out in Sections A - D)

• Live in a priority area 

AND

• Are living in fuel poverty as defined by the Low Income High Cost criteria

OR

• a low income household with at least one member of the household being vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home (LIVC)

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council SOI particularly welcome approaches to deliver ECO Flex measures to households in owner occupation or privately rented located within the Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) classified as amongst the 25% most deprived according to the Government's Index of Multiple Deprivation provided they are also demonstrably Fuel Poor.

The specific LSOAs are listed in the database linked to this document.