Green Deal, the Government's best kept secret?

Housing Wed, Mar 23, 2016 10:25 AM

You'd be forgiven for forgetting that Green Deal was launched on Monday.

The government's flagship energy efficiency scheme was somewhat overshadowed by the controversial installation of the HS2 high-speed London trainline.

Are British homeowners aware of the scheme's merits, nay its existence?

Research conducted by uSwitch suggests that just two in ten consumers have heard of the Green Deal, despite a nation-wide consensus to cut energy bills.

The initiative suffered a further blow yesterday when Green Deal Provider Npower said that interest rates charged on the scheme were too high.

Consumers will have to pay interest rates of more than 7pc on agreements funded by the Green Deal Finance Company. Npower say this rate must be lowered in order to attract cash-strapped householders to the Deal.

Commenting on the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:“The Green Deal will help thousands of homes stay warm for less.”

“Those people will benefit from energy saving improvements – and their energy bills will fall.

“The UK green sector is a success story. It is the sixth largest in the world and has a crucial part to play in building a strong economy. The Green Deal will support thousands of jobs, not just over the next few years, but in the long-term.”

Read more on today's blog.