Government must improve Green Homes Grant, says EAC

86% of people had a poor experience attempting to access the Green Homes Grant, according to a survey on over 500 people conducted by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC). 

The Green Homes Grant is a government scheme whereby homeowners can apply for vouchers up to £5,000 (or £10,000 for low-income homes) to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes.

At the time when the survey being conducted, 6 – 8 weeks after the scheme was launched, only 5.6% of respondents had received a voucher for energy efficiency measures to be installed.

According to the survey, after checking for eligibility and applying for the grant, many people experienced delays in receiving responses to their applications leading to some quotes expiring.

Many people also found that they were unable to install the measures required, with confusion over primary and secondary measures.

The EAC heard during evidence by the UK Green Building Council that there was a problem with sequencing since draught-proofing and heating controls are secondary measures, which it would be wise to install prior to putting in a heat pump.

Following this survey, the EAC has written to Energy Minister Kwasi Kawrteng following the EAC’s asking for details of what improvements will be made now the scheme has been extended to March 2022.

Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said: ‘The Government’s initiative for the Green Homes Grant should be commended. However, if we are to succeed in carrying out the amount of energy efficiency upgrades in homes that are needed, it is already clear that the scheme is not going to achieve its initial targets.

‘Homes emit an astonishing 20% of the UK’s CO2, and we cannot come close to reaching net-zero without seriously addressing energy efficiency concerns in our existing building stock.

‘Now the scheme has been extended, which is very welcome, I hope the Government learns from this initial feedback gleaned by my Committee. It must make swift improvements to reviewing applications promptly; ensuring there are enough TrustMark accredited contractors, and to clear up the confusion between primary and secondary measures.’

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