NAO Report November 2024:98% failure rate revealed

Emergency Insulation Crisis Support

If you're experiencing severe damp, black mould, structural damage, or health emergencies due to failed insulation, take action now. This page provides immediate steps to protect your health, home, and legal rights.

Do You Need Immediate Help?

Call Emergency Services If:

  • Structural damage: Visible cracks, sagging ceilings, bulging walls, or risk of collapse
  • Health emergency: Severe breathing difficulties, acute asthma attack, or allergic reaction
  • Water ingress: Active flooding, water pouring through walls/ceilings
  • Electrical hazard: Water near electrical outlets, sparking, or burning smells

📞 Emergency Contacts:

  • Emergency Services: 999
  • NHS 111: Medical advice (non-emergency)
  • National Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999
  • Electricity Emergency: 105

Take These Immediate Steps:

  1. 1
    Document everything: Take photos/videos of all damage, health impacts, and safety hazards immediately
  2. 2
    Protect vulnerable people: Move children, elderly, or those with respiratory conditions away from affected areas
  3. 3
    Stop using affected rooms: Close doors to contain mould/damp, increase ventilation where safe
  4. 4
    Contact your installer: Notify them in writing (email preferred for evidence) immediately
  5. 5
    Report to authorities: Contact your local council Environmental Health department

What Type of Emergency Are You Facing?

Select your situation for specific guidance and immediate action steps

Emergency Contacts & Support Services

Government & Regulatory Bodies

Local Authority Environmental Health

For Category 1 health hazards (severe damp, mould, structural danger)

Find yours: gov.uk/find-local-council

They can issue enforcement notices requiring immediate repairs

Ofgem (ECO Scheme Administrator)

If insulation installed under ECO4/GBIS government schemes

Phone: 0800 015 0802

Email: eco@ofgem.gov.uk

Report defective installations and complaint handling failures

Trustmark

If installer is Trustmark registered (government endorsement scheme)

Phone: 0333 555 1234

Complaints: trustmark.org.uk/make-complaint

Free dispute resolution service available

Trading Standards

For mis-selling, false claims, or unfair practices

Consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133

Online: Citizens Advice consumer service

Free Legal & Financial Support

Citizens Advice

Free, independent advice on legal rights, money, and housing

Phone: 0800 144 8848

Website: citizensadvice.org.uk

Can help with benefits, grants, and debt advice

Shelter (Housing Charity)

Emergency housing advice and legal support

Helpline: 0808 800 4444 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm)

Website: england.shelter.org.uk

Specialist support for unsafe housing conditions

Money Helper (Govt-backed)

Free financial guidance and debt advice

Phone: 0800 138 7777

Website: moneyhelper.org.uk

Guidance on loans, grants, and financial assistance

Turn2Us (Grants Search)

Find charitable grants for emergency home repairs

Helpline: 0808 802 2000

Website: turn2us.org.uk

Grants calculator and benefits checker

Law Centres Network

Free legal advice for housing and consumer issues

Find your nearest: lawcentres.org.uk

Specialist support for legal claims against installers

Your Legal Rights in an Emergency

Understanding your rights helps you get faster resolution and fair compensation

Don't Face This Crisis Alone

You're one of 23,000+ UK homeowners affected by the government insulation scandal. Get connected with vetted specialists who understand the urgency and can help immediately.

Emergency Response Contractors
Available within 24-48 hours
Specialist Surveyors
RICS-qualified for mortgage cases
Legal Support Partners
No win, no fee claims specialists
Financial Assistance Guidance
Grants, loans, and cost recovery

Critical: Document Everything (Evidence Wins Cases)

70-80% of compensation claims succeed with proper documentation. Start collecting evidence NOW.

Essential Evidence Checklist:

Photos & Videos (Timestamped)
  • • All damp/mould (wide shots + close-ups)
  • • Structural damage (cracks, sagging, rot)
  • • Before/after installation (if available)
  • • Health impacts (rashes, medicines, GP letters)
  • • Ventilation issues (blocked vents, condensation)
Installation Documents
  • • Original contract/quote
  • • Invoice and payment receipts
  • • Installation certificate (if provided)
  • • Guarantee/warranty documents
  • • Any marketing materials/promises made
Communication Records
  • • All emails with installer (save PDFs)
  • • Text messages (screenshot with timestamps)
  • • Phone call logs (date, time, who spoke, summary)
  • • Letters sent (keep copies + proof of posting)
  • • Social media conversations
Professional Reports
  • • Surveyor's reports (mortgage, structural)
  • • Damp specialist reports
  • • Timber treatment surveys
  • • Building inspector reports
  • • Environmental Health assessments
Medical Evidence
  • • GP letters linking symptoms to home conditions
  • • Prescription records (asthma inhalers, etc.)
  • • Hospital records (A&E, respiratory clinic)
  • • Occupational health reports
  • • Sick leave records
Financial Records
  • • Increased energy bills (show dates pre/post installation)
  • • Dehumidifier costs
  • • Temporary accommodation costs
  • • Cleaning/remediation attempts
  • • Lost property value (estate agent estimates)

⚠️ Common Evidence Mistakes That Weaken Claims:

  • ❌ Deleting emails/messages (even angry ones show your distress)
  • ❌ Cleaning mould before photos (document first, clean after)
  • ❌ Verbal-only complaints (always follow up in writing)
  • ❌ Not keeping receipts for remediation attempts
  • ❌ Accepting verbal promises without written confirmation
  • ❌ Waiting to see if it "gets better" (document deterioration timeline)

✅ Pro Tip: Create a Master Evidence Folder

Set up a Google Drive/Dropbox folder with these subfolders:

📸 Photos/Videos
📄 Documents
📧 Emails
📋 Reports
💰 Financials
🏥 Medical
📞 Call Logs
📝 Timeline
⚖️ Legal Notices

Why? You'll need to share evidence with surveyors, solicitors, council, courts. Cloud storage makes this instant and creates backup.

Related Emergency Resources