The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, delivered on 28 October 2026, set out new measures aimed at easing the cost of living for households across the country. With the Government estimating that six in ten households will save on their energy bills as a result of the measures, the retrofit sector is well placed to help ensure the benefits reach those living in the least efficient homes.

Commenting on the Budget announcement, Derek Horrocks, chairperson at Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd and the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG), said:

“There were a lot of positives in the Chancellor’s announcements, with a particular focus on energy security and costs. That includes the removal of standing charges from household gas bills, with a view to doing the same for electricity bills in the future. Alongside this, 20 million households in council tax bands A to D will also receive a £100 energy payment this winter, as part of a £2.6 billion scheme. The Budget also confirmed the expected extra £1bn for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, taking its total value past £40bn.

“This focus is a welcome step towards fairer energy bills, and it puts the spotlight firmly on how much energy our homes actually use. That makes the work the retrofit sector is delivering right now more valuable than ever, so that people can feel the maximum benefit from these fiscal measures, particularly families in older or poorly insulated homes who either simply turn the heating down or can’t afford to turn it on to begin with. The £100 household energy payment will also give millions of households welcome breathing space this winter, and retrofit is how we turn that short-term relief into lasting change.

“Across the country, retrofit teams are already transforming social homes through Warm Homes Plan funding, and residents are seeing the difference in warmer rooms and lower bills, alongside the associated health and mental wellbeing benefits. The additional investment in social housebuilding is encouraging too, but it will remain critical to make sure new and existing homes are held to the same high standard. The housing sector’s progress continues to be underpinned by Warm Homes Plan funding and long-term government support, and with that certainty in place we can keep delivering at pace and make warm, efficient homes the norm for every household.”