Homes offered more cash for green facelift

Householders are being offered thousands of pounds to offset home energy efficiency improvements in a government shot in the arm for the Green Deal.

From June, people in England and Wales will be able to get up to £7,600 back through the new Green Deal Home Improvement Fund.

The scheme helps people to install measures such as solid wall insulation and new heating systems by providing them with money back on the contributions they make towards improvements.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change believes the initiative will open up the market for smaller businesses in the energy efficiency sector and is urging Green Deal Installers and Providers to register with the scheme now.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: “The best way for households to take control of their energy bills is to use less energy.

“Faulty boilers, draughty windows and insufficient insulation all cause properties to leak hundreds of pounds every year. But advice and support through the Green Deal can help put a stop to this.

“By installing energy saving improvements, families across the country can enjoy the benefits of warmer, more energy efficient homes and lower bills.”

Under the new incentive scheme, domestic energy customers can get:

• up to £1,000 for installing two measures from an approved list; and/or
• up to £6,000 for installing solid wall insulation; and
• up to £100 refunded for their Green Deal Assessment.

The scheme also entitles those who have brought a property in the 12 months prior to application to qualify for up to an additional £500 if they carry out energy efficiency improvements.

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund is another way the Government is making it simpler and cheaper for people to stay warm and improve their homes.

“I want households across the country to benefit from more energy efficient homes and reduced bills through the Green Deal, and that is what the new home incentive fund will do.”

The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund also applies to private or social landlords, who can benefit if they undertake to improve the property and are paying the costs themselves.