The Government’s new Green Homes Grant scheme is providing around £2 billion in funds for private homeowners, private landlords and social landlords to retrofit measures which improve the energy performance and reduce the running costs of their properties. It’s part a wider £3 billion programme to upgrade the energy efficiency of homes, schools and hospitals across England. Most households can apply to obtain Government funding for two thirds of the cost of the improvements, up to £5,000, but those on low income benefit support may be eligible to receive Government funding for 100% of the cost, up to a maximum of £10,000. The grant scheme is available until the end of March 2021.
What upgrades are available under the Green Homes Grant scheme?
Two categories of measures are available under the scheme – primary and secondary:
Primary measures
- air or ground source heat pump
- biomass boilers
- cavity wall insulation
- flat roof insulation
- insulating a park home
- loft insulation
- room in roof insulation
- solar thermal (liquid filled flat plate or evacuated tube collectors)
- solid wall insulation
- under floor insulation
Secondary measures
- draught proofing
- double/triple glazing (where replacing single glazed windows)
- external energy efficient doors (replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002)
- heating controls
- hot water tank thermostats and insulation
- secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing)
Each application for funding must include at least one primary measure. Any remaining funds can be used for secondary measures.
How do homeowners apply for the Green Homes Grant scheme?
To receive funding from the Green Homes Grant scheme, homeowners must apply for a voucher. As part of the application, they must include at least 3 quotes for the work from Trustmark certified installers. Certified Trustmark traders can be found at https://www.trustmark.org.uk/
Once they have established costs with the traders, homeowners can apply online for the voucher via the Simple Energy Advice Service website which will identify whether they are eligible for a government contribution of up to £5,000 or up to £10,000. The voucher will usually be issued within a few weeks.
Carrying out and paying for upgrades
On receiving the voucher, the homeowner can instruct the installer to commence the installation. On completion of the work, Trustmark will confirm that it meets the required standard and homeowner should also be satisfied with the standard. The installer will then invoice the homeowner and the homeowner uses the voucher for the percentage of the cost paid by the Government, up to the maximum of £5,000 or £10,000. The installer can redeem the voucher at any time until the 31st March 2021.
