The energy efficiency schemes have been running all over the country since 2003 (some, like reduced price loft insulation since the late 70s).

I have been working on them throughout that time.

ALL homeowners and tenants have been given the opportunity to insulate their houses properly either with a non-means tested grant of 50% for loft insulation and 70% for cavity wall insulation, or completely free for those on most benefits....also free for EVERYONE in 'normal'-sized properties, for a few years up until recently. Councils and housing associations have insulated all of their housing stock too, as well as running their own local schemes on top of the national ones.

The main schemes have been funded by the energy companies.

New grants are now available for previously 'hard to treat' properties (such as those with solid walls or having narrow cavities). There is also a big scheme running at present for free boiler replacement.

Now over the years I've come across many people who still couldn't be bothered to insulate their homes properly...would rather spend the money on fags and booze, cars, etc, or just too idle to have a survey done and sign a couple of forms.

Since an average loft loses around 25% of the total heat loss from a house, and the walls 35%, then I would suggest that the best thing most people can do is to go and check that they've done everything possible to keep the heat IN their house, and to have the actual heating system running efficiently....before they start bloody moaning !