Our response to the consumer protection consultation
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero opened its consultation on reforming consumer protection for home upgrade schemes on 17 June 2026. The consultation closed on 10 September 2026.
NRH’s response draws on input from our Board and Advisory Panel, alongside two interactive workshops with our network. It also reflects our wider industry engagement and related work since 2023.
We are sharing the response as a resource for people interested in improving consumer protection across home upgrade schemes. It records NRH’s contribution to the consultation and the evidence informing our answers.
For the consultation documents and official updates, visit Reforming Consumer Protection for Home Upgrade Schemes on GOV.UK.
What happens next?
The consultation closed on 10 September 2026. The Government’s consultation documents explain that it will consider the responses before setting out next steps.
Visit the official consumer protection consultation page on GOV.UK for published updates.
NRH’s response remains available as a record of our recommendations. It reflects the proposals under consultation rather than an adopted consumer protection framework.
Explore related NRH work
Consumer protection depends on the wider retrofit system, including workforce competence and accountability for results.
Our National Retrofit Workforce Strategy recommendations explore the support needed to develop a skilled workforce.
Read Measuring for success? to explore how better evidence can help establish what retrofit achieves in practice.
Frequently asked questions
What was the consumer protection consultation about?
The consultation explored how to improve protections for households undertaking home upgrades. Its proposals included simpler support services and clearer accountability, alongside stronger oversight of work.
Is the consultation still open?
No. The consultation opened on 17 June 2026 and closed on 10 September 2026.
Does the consultation cover every home improvement project?
Its main focus was home upgrade schemes supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. It also considered whether parts of the proposed system could support privately funded work. The scope varies between proposals.
Are NRH’s recommendations government policy?
No. Our response sets out NRH’s views on the consultation proposals. Government publications explain official decisions and implementation arrangements.
Can this page help me resolve a problem with work on my home?
This page shares a policy consultation response. It does not handle individual complaints or claims. If you have a problem with completed work, check the complaints process for your installer and any scheme that funded the work.
