Who is Eligible for the LA Flex funding Scheme?

Eligibility for the LA Flex scheme depends on several factors. It’s not just about income but also about home energy efficiency. Households that struggle with high energy bills or have poor heating systems can apply.

If you’re living in a cold home, you may qualify. Those vulnerable to the effects of living in cold homes are also prioritised. This energy efficiency scheme helps private tenure households, tenants, and homeowners alike.

LA Flex Routes

1. Income-based Eligibility

The LA Flex funding supports low-income households facing fuel poverty. Most councils set an annual gross income limit of around £31,000 or less for the whole family. This may vary based on local authority rules. 

Applicants must show proof of income through payslips or benefits letters. You may be eligible if your earnings are below the limit set by your council. Doing the short application form can help confirm this quickly.

Example: A family earning £28,000 annually with high heating costs could qualify under Route 1.

2. Proxy Targeting-based Eligibility

Households that qualify any of the two proxies from the below list are eligible through the route 2 of LA Flex. 

Proxy 1: Living in a Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA)
Proxy 2: Entitlement to a low income Council Tax reduction
Proxy 3: Vulnerability on the grounds of certain health conditions

• Cardiovascular disease 
• Mental health conditions
• Respiratory issues 
• Disabilities
• Older age (65 years and older)
• Caring for young children (from newborn to school age)
• Pregnancy

Proxy 4: Eligibility for free school meals
Proxy 5: Support from an existing LA scheme
Proxy 6: Referral from Citizens Advice or energy supplier
Proxy 7: Identified through energy supplier debt data

Note: Households with following pairs of Proxy are not eligible:

• Proxy 1 and Proxy 3
• Proxy 5 and Proxy 7
• Proxy 6 and Proxy 7

Example: A homeowner got a referral from Citizens Advice and is entitled for low Income Council Tax reduction could qualify under Route 2.

3. Health-based Eligibility

Health also influences LA Flex eligibility. The scheme supports those whose health suffers due to cold or damp homes. This includes people with heart, respiratory, or mental health issues. Following four health issues are considered under the route 3:

• Cardiovascular disease 
• Limited mobility
• Respiratory issues 
• Immunosuppression issues

If you are vulnerable to the effects of poor heating or cold, you may qualify. A doctor’s note or medical proof may be required. This approach helps councils provide energy efficiency improvements to those who need them most.

Example: An elderly person with asthma living in a draughty home may qualify under Route 3.

Route 4: Bespoke Targeting-based Eligibility

Route 4 allows energy suppliers to propose other flexible eligibility routes. It gives local authorities the freedom to test innovative ways to identify fuel-poor homes, low-income and vulnerable consumers. The application is submitted to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). They can combine data, surveys, or local information to spot struggling households. The goal is to find homes that might miss support under normal routes. Energy suppliers must prove the new approach helps people in need. The government reviews and approves these proposals before they are used. This route encourages innovation to reach more fuel-poor families.

Example: An energy supplier may use local data to identify homes with high winter bills.

Who Can Apply?

Both homeowners and private tenants can apply for LA Flex grants. If you rent, your landlord must approve the energy efficiency improvements. Private tenure and social housing may have different eligibility rules. However, most participating local authorities include both categories. It must be located in a local council area that participates in the scheme. Check with your council’s website if you are not sure.