This guide explains the LA Flex rules for income and benefits. This guide also shows who is eligible for grants. It is intended to assist local residents, advisors and installers in understanding the LA Flex Income & Benefit Eligibility Guide.
LA Flex is a shorthand for Local Authority Flexible Eligibility. It’s a route within the UK’s ECO4 Help-to-Heat program. Local councils can expand the eligibility criteria for home energy upgrades. Councils may consider low-income households or vulnerable households eligible for energy improvements, even if they do not meet the standard benefit criteria. This helps councils reach out to people living in fuel poverty and those at risk of a cold house.
Why LA Flex Matters Now?
Despite the high cost of heating, many homes are still struggling. About 3.17 million English homes — or 13.0% — will be living in fuel poverty by 2023. This number is huge and shows how much help we need. Fuel poverty was estimated to be more than PS1.3billion in 2023. LA Flex is a way that local authorities can help those in greatest need.
Households that are not connected to the mains gas grid often face greater risks. Homes off the mains gas grid often pay more for heating their homes. According to one analysis, households that do not have access to gas pay nearly three times more for fuel than those who do. It is therefore imperative to upgrade these areas.
What the LA Flex Route Does?
LA Flex enables councils to accomplish three things. Councils can identify people in need who do not receive the benefits listed. Councils can also sign a declaration that explains their plan to identify these households. Thirdly, councils must provide a statement for every home that they refer. These referrals are then used by energy suppliers to fund measures under ECO4. It means that a home in need of heating upgrades can be upgraded even if the residents are not listed on a list of qualifying benefits. Ofgem and the government set out the rules.
Who can make a LA Flex Referral
Referrals to LA Flex can be made by local councils or some devolved authorities. A council must first publish a Statement Of Intent to be eligible. The document will explain the local criteria of the council and how it will locate households. Referrals can be made by Scotland and Wales under their respective devolved arrangements. The council is required to keep records and make declarations that can be audited. These referrals are funded by energy suppliers.
Income & Benefit Eligibility
LA Flex is designed to be flexible. This means that a council may design its own local criteria. It is not possible to have a single number of national income that applies to all referrals. Local authorities will instead set thresholds that are based on the cost of living in the area and the risk of fuel poverty. Some councils have used local housing lists, low-income thresholds or a combination of local circumstances and benefit receipt to determine eligibility.
In many cases, however, the ECO4 standard route still uses a benefit-and-income model. The standard ECO4 route may be available to households that receive a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. LA Flex is for those without listed benefits, but who are still low-income or vulnerable. Local authorities are expected to follow formal guidelines on flexible eligibility.
Typical Local Authority Criteria
Councils set their own rules. Many councils have similar ideas. The council could include those households with low incomes, but who do not receive certain benefits. Councils may prioritize homes with low EPC ratings. The council can include those on local housing list or with medical conditions that are made worse by the cold. Many councils publish simple checklists or web sites for residents. These pages describe how an individual can be assessed and referred. Check your council’s Statement Of Intent to find out the exact criteria.
Common Measures Funded Through LA Flex
Referrals from local authorities can unlock a variety of energy-saving solutions. Insulation, modern electric storage heaters and heat pumps are some of the most common works. It is a goal to reduce energy consumption and lower bills. The flexible eligibility referrals can allow some suppliers to deliver up to 50% of their ECO obligations. This allows councils to secure more funding for residents.
Simple Steps to Check Eligibility and Apply
Check your local council website to see if there is any information about “flexible eligibility”. The councils will publish their Statement of intent and guidelines on how to refer the residents. Gather simple documents, such as proofs of address, income documentation or proofs of medical vulnerability, if applicable. Contact the council or an approved local partner. The council will evaluate the household, and if it is eligible, they will issue a statement. Lastly, a contractor will complete the project under ECO4 Scheme funding.
Local suppliers and installers are often available to help residents throughout the entire process. They can help with paperwork, surveys and installation. When choosing an installer, always use TrustMark or other recognised trade bodies. This will reduce the risk and ensure quality delivery.
Table: Common Qualifying Signals Used by Councils
| Typical local signal | What it shows |
| Low household income below a local threshold | Shows likely inability to pay for upgrades |
| Poor EPC rating (E, F or G) | Indicates low energy efficiency and high bills |
| Medical vulnerability or disability | Shows increased risk from cold homes |
| Inclusion on local housing need list | Demonstrates low income or homelessness risk |
| Off-gas-grid heating | Indicates likely higher fuel costs |
Evidence and Recent Stats to Know
Fuel poverty is a serious issue. In 2023, approximately 3,17 million homes in England will be in fuel poverty. This represents 13.0% of all homes. This is almost the same as last year. In 2023, the total gap in fuel poverty was estimated to be around PS1.32 billion. These figures highlight the magnitude of need that programs like ECO4 or LA Flex Scheme are aiming to address.
Costs for households without gas are higher. Fuel-poor households living off the grid may experience fuel costs that are around PS480 higher per year than similar households connected to the grid. This extra cost forces more households into fuel poverty, which is why local targeting is important.
Quick Comparison - Standard ECO4 vs LA Flex Route
| Feature | Standard ECO4 route | LA Flex route |
| Based on national benefit list | Yes | No – council can widen |
| Who confirms eligibility | Energy supplier (standard checks) | Local authority issues declaration |
| Best for | Households on qualifying benefits | Low-income but not on listed benefits; vulnerable households |
| Measures available | Insulation, heating upgrades, some appliances | Same measures, delivered via supplier using referrals |
How councils make Decisions
Before making referrals, councils must first publish a Statement Of Intent. The statement must include the local reasoning. The councils must maintain records and provide individual declarations to each household that they refer. This helps to ensure fairness, and makes the scheme auditable. Ofgem’s guidelines and the government provide a list of checks that councils are required to follow. This ensures that the process is transparent and accountable.
Eco Energy Packs - Trusted Partner for LA Flex Installs
Eco Energy Packs, a trusted partner in the LA Flex Scheme, provides free upgrades to heating systems. They work with energy suppliers and councils to ensure that homes eligible for the LA Flex route receive the right measures. Eco Energy Packs provides residents with support from the first home survey through to the final handover. When needed, they can also assist with paperwork and declarations. Eco Energy Packs is listed as a partner by your local council. You can contact them to get a free assessment or start the LA Flex referral process. Note: Always confirm partnership details with the local council before agreeing to any works.
How Local Advisors and Installers can Prepare
Keep clear records. This includes councils, agencies that provide advice, and installers. Use simple forms. To ensure consistency, they should use a local Statement of Intent. Installers must ensure that their surveys are accurate, and in compliance with ECO4 regulations. It will reduce the amount of rework required and help residents get their measures quicker. Councils can also use local media to promote LA Flex so that people are aware of the process and how to apply.
Closing Summary
LA Flex is a tool to help local communities access ECO4 funding. It is a tool that helps those with low incomes or who are vulnerable. Local councils set their own rules, and then publish a Statement Of Intent. These referrals are then used by energy suppliers to provide upgrades. This scheme can help reduce fuel poverty for those who would otherwise be unable to afford heating. Check your council’s LA Flex page and get in touch with a partner such as Eco Energy Packs to help you with surveys and installation. Ofgem’s and the government’s guidance outlines official scheme rules, including council responsibilities.
