If you're an insulation or retrofit installer in the UK, chances are you've heard of LA Flex — but you're not entirely sure how it works or how to make it part of your lead generation strategy.
The Local Authority Flexible Eligibility scheme, better known as LA Flex, is one of the most underused opportunities for installers to access funded energy efficiency work. It helps you serve households that don't qualify under ECO4's strict criteria — but still need insulation, heating upgrades, or EPC improvements.
In this guide, we'll break down everything installers need to know about LA Flex in 2025: how it works, who's eligible, which councils are active, how to access referrals, and how to integrate it into your business model.
🔍 What Is the LA Flex Scheme?
LA Flex is a mechanism that allows local authorities to expand the eligibility criteria for government-funded energy efficiency schemes — most commonly ECO4.
Under standard ECO4 rules, only households on certain benefits qualify for support. LA Flex allows councils to define their own local eligibility rules, meaning:
- More households can access support
- Installers can work with a wider range of customers
- Vulnerable households not on benefits can still receive funding
Importantly, funding still comes from the ECO scheme — but the eligibility decision is made locally.
📜 What Types of Work Does LA Flex Cover?
LA Flex is commonly used to fund:
- Loft insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Room-in-roof insulation
- Underfloor insulation
- First-time central heating
- Heating upgrades
- Smart thermostats or heating controls
- In some cases, renewable heating like air source heat pumps
Installers must be PAS 2030 and TrustMark certified, and projects must be overseen by a Retrofit Coordinator in line with PAS 2035.
👥 Who Qualifies Under LA Flex?
Eligibility under LA Flex varies by local authority, but most schemes target households that are:
- Living on low incomes but not receiving benefits
- Vulnerable to cold due to health conditions (e.g. asthma, COPD)
- Over 65 or living with young children
- Living in energy-inefficient homes (EPC E, F, or G)
- At risk of fuel poverty
Each council publishes a Statement of Intent (SoI) that outlines their specific criteria. This is publicly available and updated regularly.
🗺️ Which Councils Use LA Flex?
Many local councils across the UK are participating in LA Flex, but the level of activity varies.
Some have active delivery teams and close ties with installers, while others publish an SoI but don't actively promote or manage projects.
Councils with stronger LA Flex participation often:
- Maintain lists of approved installers
- Pre-vet properties or residents
- Refer households directly
- Work with managing agents to streamline delivery
Installers looking to grow through LA Flex should research which authorities are active in their target postcodes.
🧾 How to Access LA Flex Jobs as an Installer
There are four main routes:
- Apply to Your Local Authority
Reach out directly to the energy/retrofit contact
Ask to be added to their installer list
Be ready to show PAS 2030 certification, TrustMark ID, and insurance details
Understand their SoI and funding partner process - Partner with ECO Obligated Suppliers or Managing Agents
Some councils outsource administration to a managing agent or funding partner. These organisations may already have delivery pipelines and require subcontractors. - Use a Referral Model
Work with local charities, landlords, or housing associations who can refer households meeting LA Flex criteria. - Generate Your Own Leads and Apply Through LA Flex
This is the most scalable route. You can generate leads from homeowners who meet LA Flex eligibility and submit their applications directly to the council (or managing agent) for approval.
This is particularly useful for:- Elderly homeowners
- Households on low income but not on benefits
- Homes with EPC ratings of E or worse
🧮 How LA Flex Works with ECO4 Funding
While LA Flex widens eligibility, the work still needs to be completed under ECO4 rules, meaning:
- A whole-house retrofit plan (PAS 2035) must be created
- Households must meet a minimum SAP improvement post-install
- All work must be completed by certified installers
- Funding is claimed via the obligated supplier (e.g. British Gas, E.ON)
This means installers must still work through an ECO funding route — but LA Flex makes it much easier to find eligible customers.
📈 How to Make LA Flex Work for Your Business
To grow sustainably using LA Flex:
- Identify councils actively participating in the scheme
- Understand the eligibility criteria in each SoI
- Create marketing that targets "just-missed" ECO4 households
- Have a clear retrofit delivery process in place
- Use tools or data sources that help you find LA Flex-eligible homes
LA Flex isn't a shortcut — but it is a way to unlock jobs that other installers overlook.
🧠 Final Thoughts: LA Flex Is a Lead Generation Tool in Disguise
The LA Flex scheme is designed to help the right households access funding — but most of the industry focuses only on standard ECO4.
If you understand how LA Flex works and how to source your own leads, you gain access to:
- More households who qualify
- Less competition from installers stuck on ECO-only leads
- Higher conversion rates from vulnerable customers ready to take action
If you're PAS 2030 certified and want to build a real retrofit business, LA Flex should be part of your strategy in 2025 and beyond.
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