An impressive public and industry response to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund has seen more than £43million worth of vouchers issued in the first six weeks, and well over £50m applied for.
A total of 12,200 applications have been received and 7,925 households in England and Wales have received vouchers under the scheme, which offers people money back for making energy saving improvements to their home. We expect to have reached £50m in vouchers issued within the next couple of days.
With scheme design and rates guaranteed for the first £50 million, the Department of Energy and Climate Change is today announcing changes to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund, to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from the most effective energy saving measures while funds last.
From Friday 25th July, new applicants can receive up to £4000 for installing Solid Wall Insulation, reduced from up to £6000. Flue gas heat recovery units will be removed from the list of approved measures, effective from Tuesday 5th August. Applications received prior to changes coming into effect will be honoured at the original rates.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Climate Change, Amber Rudd, said: “Green Deal Home Improvement Fund vouchers have been flying out of the door. We’re delighted that so many families are already making the most of this very generous offer.
“Changes now announced ensure even more households can benefit from warmer homes using less energy. There’s up to £120 million in the pot this year, but it won’t be around forever so act now.”
From Friday July 25, Green Deal Home Improvement Fund domestic energy customers can get:
- up to £1000 for installing two measures from an approved list; and/or
- up to £4000 for installing solid wall insulation; and
- up to £100 refunded for their Green Deal Assessment.
The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund also entitles those who have bought a property in the 12 months prior to application to qualify for up to an additional £500 if they carry out recommended energy efficiency improvements under the scheme. In December 2013, the government announced a £540 million three year energy efficiency package with at least £120 million available for energy efficiency schemes from April 2015.