Widespread failings in solid wall insulation work carried out under government energy schemes have triggered a major review of the UK’s retrofit regime.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has formed a Retrofit System Reform Advisory Panel after routine checks exposed a pattern of poor-quality installations delivered through the Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

This prompted the Government to 39 solid wall insulation specialists from installing new insulation in people’s homes.

The botched work has highlighted deep flaws in the current regulatory system, with ministers now pledging a full overhaul to protect homeowners and raise standards.

The panel – made up of experts from the retrofit supply chain, consumer groups and enforcement bodies – will meet for the first time this summer.

Its job is to advise ministers on cleaning up the fragmented retrofit landscape by tightening rules, simplifying redress and improving oversight.

Ministers want to restore confidence in home energy upgrades by introducing a stronger, more joined-up system for installer accreditation, compliance, quality checks and consumer protections.

The review will not deal with specific cases of remediation but will focus on long-term reforms, aiming to prevent future failures and strengthen enforcement across the board.

The 12-month panel will be chaired by minister Fahnbulleh and work confidentially, with all participants required to sign NDAs due to the sensitive nature of the policy proposals being tested.