The Prime Minister has announced the extension of both the Green Homes Grant and the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme in his 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, designed to help the country build back greener and help reach the UK’s key target for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The scheme funds up to 2 thirds of the cost of green home improvements up to £5,000, or 100% of the cost for homeowners on low incomes, up to £10,000. Measures covered include insulation of walls, floors and roofs, double or triple glazing when replacing single glazing, and low-carbon heating like heat pumps.
Homeowners across England will have until the end of March 2022 to have energy efficiency upgrades to their homes completed through the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme, helping up to 600,000 households save up to £600 on their energy bills.
Before applying, eligible homeowners must get at least one quote for each planned piece of work from a registered tradesperson – and the Government suggests getting at least three quotes from different suppliers.
But since the scheme’s launch in September many homeowners have been unable to find registered installers in their area who can carry out the work before the scheme’s deadline at the end of March 2021. This meant that there was a low takeup rate and as a result the deadline has been extended.