Energy Grants in Wigan

Energy Grants & Fuel Poverty in Wigan

Wigan's 'Deal' — the council's innovative approach to public services based on reciprocal relationships between residents and the council — extends naturally to energy efficiency. Rather than top-down delivery of ECO4 measures, Wigan's model trains community volunteers as energy champions who identify eligible neighbours, explain the process in plain language, and support applications. This peer-to-peer approach has proved particularly effective in former mining communities like Leigh, Hindley, and Ince, where trust in authority is historically low but community bonds are strong.

The GMCA LA Flex framework provides the procurement and quality infrastructure, while Wigan's community champions provide the local outreach that makes the difference between a programme that exists on paper and one that actually reaches the households that need it most.

Wigan's Deal model uses community energy champions — trained volunteer residents — to deliver ECO4 outreach, achieving higher uptake than traditional council-led approaches.

How ECO4 Is Delivered in Wigan

Wigan's former coal mining villages present housing challenges similar to Doncaster and Rotherham: National Coal Board housing built between the 1920s and 1960s, some with non-standard construction. The borough's distinctive feature is the number of properties in Leigh and Atherton that were built using Wimpey No-Fines concrete — a construction method that creates porous walls requiring specialist external insulation. Wigan's Deal-based approach means residents are actively involved in choosing between insulation options: EWI that changes the building's appearance or internal wall insulation that preserves the external character but reduces room sizes. This resident-led decision-making increases satisfaction and reduces the complaints that can slow delivery in other boroughs.

Available Grants in Wigan

Residents in the Wigan Council area can access several government-funded energy efficiency schemes:

ECO4 Scheme

The ECO4 provides 100% free energy improvements to qualifying households. In Wigan, 3,120 measures installed to date. Most common: Cavity wall insulation (33%).

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

The GBIS provides free or subsidised insulation to properties in council tax bands A-D. No means test required.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

£7,500 towards an air source heat pump or £5,000 towards ground source. Available to all homeowners with a valid EPC.

Warm Home Discount

£150 discount on your electricity bill each winter.

EPC Ratings in Wigan

Analysis of 118,600 EPC certificates in Wigan:

52% of properties rated D-G — above the national average. Fuel poverty: 13.4% (18,900 households), above the national average of 13.1%.

Housing Stock

141,200 households. Common construction: 1920s-30s Lancashire semis and terraces, average build year 1945.

Most Common ECO4 Measures

3,120 installations to date:

• Cavity wall insulation
• Loft insulation
• Boiler replacement
• External wall insulation

Average annual saving: £620

LA Flex Eligibility — Wigan

Local Installers

29 TrustMark-registered and 9 MCS-certified installers serving Wigan. Key areas: Leigh, Hindley, Ince, Atherton, Pemberton

Wigan Energy Strategy

Wigan's Deal approach applies community-led principles to climate action. £5.4m secured through SHDF. Former mining villages prioritised.

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility — use our checker
2. Get matched with TrustMark installers in Wigan
3. Free survey — assessor recommends measures
4. Installation — at no cost, usually 4-8 weeks

Contact Wigan Council: https://www.wigan.gov.uk/energy-efficiency or 01942 244991

FAQs — Wigan