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Insulation Fails: Families Face Toxic Mould Crisis
23 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Family's home became uninhabitable due to toxic black mould
- Government insulation scheme's poor installation rate is 29%
- An asthmatic son cannot enter his family home since April
Families are facing severe consequences from poorly installed insulation, leading to uninhabitable living conditions and health hazards. The Wadley family, from the Gower Peninsula, discovered black mould behind insulation fitted under the government's ECO4 scheme. This has rendered their home unsafe, particularly for their asthmatic son, who has been unable to enter since April.
The National Audit Office reported that 29% of internal wall insulation under ECO4 was installed so poorly it needed repairs. Weak government oversight and regulatory failure have been cited as reasons for these issues, leaving consumers vulnerable. The installer, Stellar Energy, disputes some of the claims regarding safety hazards.
Another family in Bristol experienced similar problems with external wall insulation, leading to render failure and potential dampness. The installer, SPMS Wales, is being liquidated, leaving the family with significant repair costs. Both affected families express distress and a lack of consumer protection, underscoring a need for systemic reform.
