Thousands of homes owned by both owners and landlords could be facing serious problems with insulation fitted under Government schemes.

A minister has admitted there are “widespread cases” of defective installations of exterior wall insulation, BBC News reports.

Suspended

Miatta Fahnbulleh, a junior energy and net zero minister, told Parliament there were systemic issues in the quality of the work carried out by contractors.

And she said that 39 firms have now been suspended from the government scheme after an audit.

Around 65,000 homes in the UK have had solid wall insulation installed under ECO4 grants and the Great British Insulation Scheme.

Rectify

The minister said everyone who has had the insulation fitted to their homes will be contacted by energy regulator Ofgem, and installers will be expected to rectify any issues found.

Problems identified include exposed insulation and poor ventilation which could lead to damp and mould, and even in some cases wires not being fitted properly.

These issues are the result of years of failure.”

Fahnbulleh said: ”The government is moving fast to protect households. But I have to be honest with the House – these issues are the result of years of failure in a system that must be reformed.

“I know that this will be concerning for families who have had solid wall insulation fitted through these schemes,” she said.

“Getting this sorted out is our number one priority. We are determined to make sure families are never let down in this way again.”

Spray foam excluded

Some MPs are concerned that the Government has not included spray foam and cavity wall insulation in its review.

Several major lenders are still not willing to issue mortgages for homes fitted with spray foam insulation, it emerged last year.

Main picture: BBC News