Trusted local advice to support the Warm Homes Plan
The South West Net Zero Hub invited the National Retrofit Hub to convene the South West Region Energy Advice Providers Forum to develop a collective response to the Warm Homes Plan.
Drawing on members’ experience, the response examines how government can work with established local advice networks to support households and improve retrofit delivery.
It brings together insights gathered through workshops and feedback following the Plan’s publication in January 2026. The response makes the case for building on trusted relationships, with stronger connections between energy advice and health services.
View or download the response below to explore the Forum’s recommendations and examples of local collaboration.
What does the response recommend?
The Forum calls for government to build on existing advice networks and work with regional partners. Its recommendations focus on four connected priorities:
- Support place-based delivery. Strengthen local partnerships and provide more consistent funding conditions.
- Connect energy advice with health services. Help organisations share proven approaches and coordinate support.
- Strengthen trusted advice. Develop a shared advice framework that providers can adapt to local needs.
- Build on regional coordination. Recognise the South West Net Zero Hub’s role in connecting national policy with local delivery.
The document presents the Forum’s recommendations, rather than confirmed government commitments.
Why does trusted energy advice matter?
The response distinguishes advice from general information. Advice involves a conversation that responds to a household’s circumstances.
It argues that established local relationships help residents feel confident about seeking support. Therefore, delivery should build on the organisations communities already know and trust.
Who is this response for?
The response is relevant to policymakers and organisations shaping home upgrade programmes. It also supports discussion between local authorities and advice providers about how to work together.
Use it to consider where your programme can build on existing partnerships and improve support for residents.
About the Forum and contributors
The South West Net Zero Hub hosts the South West Region Energy Advice Providers Forum. NRH convened the collective response at the Hub’s invitation.
The response’s appendix identifies the Forum’s core members as Bath & West Community Energy, Centre for Sustainable Energy, Community Energy Plus, Plymouth Energy Community, Ridgewater Energy, Severn Wye Energy Agency, Sustainable Community Solutions trading as ECOE Advice, and The Environment Centre (tEC).
We thank the Forum members and the South West Net Zero Hub for contributing their experience.
Explore related NRH work
For practical guidance on local strategy development, read Place-based retrofit in practice.
To find services supporting council teams, explore the Retrofit Advisory Services Directory for Local Authorities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the South West response to the Warm Homes Plan?
It is a collective response developed with the South West Region Energy Advice Providers Forum. It draws on members’ practical experience to recommend how government can strengthen advice and local delivery.
What was NRH’s role?
The South West Net Zero Hub invited NRH to convene the Forum and bring together its members’ insights into a collective response.
Is the response relevant outside the South West?
Although it draws on South West experience, other regions can use it to inform discussions about trusted advice and local partnerships.
Can households apply for support through this document?
No. This is a policy response, rather than an application service. Households should contact their local authority or an energy advice provider to ask about available support.
