The new scheme will allow home owners to claim vouchers (paid for by the government) to cover two-thirds of the cost of home improvements, up to a maximum of £5,000. For example, if a homeowner installed an air source heat pump, costing around £6,000, the homeowner would pay just £2,000 – with the government paying £4,000. Households on low income can receive vouchers covering 100% of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £10,000.
The Green Homes Grants will give homeowners, including owner occupiers and social/private landlords, vouchers to install one or more of the following:
- solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation
- air source or ground source heat pump
- solar thermal
In addition, households can use their voucher for further energy saving measures. These include one or more of the following:
- double or triple glazing/secondary glazing, when replacing single glazing
- upgrading to energy efficient doors
- hot water tank/appliance tank thermostats/heating controls
Households will be offered a list of approved TrustMark and MCS registered tradespeople in their local area to carry out the work. Once the works are agreed, vouchers will start to be issued from the end of September so work can commence.
For more information, go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/quality-assurance-at-heart-of-new-2-billion-green-homes-grants
