By Robert Allinson, BWF Membership Manager
The Green Homes Grant, announced on 8th July by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, is a scheme to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. The aim of the scheme is to help homeowners and promote energy efficiency, but also to help boost the economy during the coronavirus pandemic by creating jobs.
Unfortunately a week since the announcement, we are still waiting on further details to be released by the Government. With a lack of clarity there comes much speculation and I’m sure, like me, many of you have seen both ‘glazing’ and ‘energy efficient doors’ quoted across media. To date, we do not know if replacement windows and doors will be included and the BWF team are working hard with industry stakeholders to push for immediate clarity, with some BWF members informing us that they’ve had orders placed on hold until homeowners ascertain whether they will be eligible for the Grant.
To help, here is what we know to be factually correct as of 16th July about the Green Homes Grant Scheme:
– The Grant is expected to go live in September and last for one year.
– The Chancellor revealed that both homeowners and landlords would be eligible in his statement and that up to 650,000 homes will be covered by the grant.
– Under the scheme, the government will pay at least two-thirds of the cost of home improvements that save energy, up to £5,000.
– The poorest households will be eligible to receive up to £10,000 towards these improvements and will not have to contribute anything to the cost.
– The Grants will be provided in the form of vouchers which can be used towards making energy-efficient improvements to homes.
– The Green Homes Grant applies to England only – so unfortunately won’t cover homes in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
– The Government has said households will be able to spend the vouchers with “local accredited suppliers”, but hasn’t yet given details on which firms could be part of the scheme or what the criteria would be.
As soon as the BWF team can confirm detail we will be in touch with members. Until then, if you have any concerns or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me – Robert.allinson@bwf.org.uk
