The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has taken the decision that the Green Homes Grant Voucher scheme, will cease taking new applications from 5:00pm today.
The Green Homes Grant Voucher scheme was announced in the Summer Budget in July 2020, as part of a £3bn green investment package the government said would support householders with energy efficiency measures, helping householders save money on their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
What is the Green Homes Grant?
If you’re a homeowner or residential landlord, you could claim a Green Homes Grant Voucher towards the cost of installing energy-efficiency improvements to your home, including insulation measures.
Vouchers covered two-thirds of the cost of eligible improvements, up to a maximum government contribution of £5,000. Those in receipt of certain benefits were eligible for a voucher covering 100% of the cost of the improvements, at a maximum value of £10,000.
Why is the Green Homes Grant Voucher scheme closing?
The Green Homes Grant Voucher scheme has not been delivering at the rate and scale the government had originally hoped.
What will happen with my application?
According to the Secretary for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, all valid applications received up to 5:00pm today will be processed and vouchers in the system will continue to be issued and installed over the coming months.
What alternative funding may I be eligible for?
You, or someone in your household, may be eligible for funding through the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), to help with making energy efficiency improvements to your home.
What is the Energy Company Obligation scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency initiative, designed to help prevent fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions, and help to save money on householder’s energy bills.
It is an obligation placed by the government on to the energy companies, to provide qualifying households, funding for energy efficiency measures, including insulation, boiler replacements and first-time central heating systems.
How will I qualify for ECO?
There are two different ways you can broadly qualify for funding through ECO. Firstly, if you or someone in your household is in receipt of a qualifying benefit.
Secondly, you may qualify if you meet criteria set out by your Local Authority, which you may have heard being referred to as, the Local Authority Flex (LA Flex) criteria.
The criteria laid out by each Local Authority will therefore vary, but often take into consideration those on low incomes, health, age or simply the area you live in.
