MORE than half of homeowners are interested in the new Green Homes Grant, according to a new poll, sparking fears they’re may not be enough vouchers to go round.
The government is expected to give out 600,000 vouchers through the scheme – but new YouGov research shows as many as 9.8million eligible property owners want to take advantage.
The Green Homes Grant sees families given a voucher worth £5,000 – or £10,000 for low-income households – to spend on energy-saving improvements in their home.
The government says the initiative could save households more than £200 annually on energy bills, as well as reducing their carbon footprint by cutting 700kg of CO2 a year.
But a new poll from YouGov suggests demand could be extremely high – with researchers claiming there may not be enough vouchers for every family that wants one.
Of the home owners surveyed, 62% were in properties that have poor energy efficiency – which YouGov says equates to 14.9million homes in England.
From this amount, 66% said they're either "fairly interested" or "very interested" in the Green Homes Grant – the same as 9.8million households.
What work is covered through the Green Homes Grant?
THE work that can be covered through the Green Homes Grant is split into “primary
To qualify for the scheme, you must be installing at least one of the following "primary" insulation or low carbon measures.
Insulation:
- Solid wall
- Under-floor
- Cavity wall
- Flat roof
- Room in roof
- Insulating a park home
Low carbon heat:
- Air or ground source heat pump
- Solar thermal (solar panels which can be used for heating water)
- Biomass boilers
If you use the voucher for any of the above, you can also use it to cover the following "secondary" tasks:
- Draught proofing
- Double or triple glazing when replacing single glazing
- Secondary glazing when in addition to single glazing
- External energy efficient doors when replacing single glazed or solid doors installed before 2002
- Heating controls
- Hot water tank thermostats and insulation
The voucher does not cover the cost of:
- A new extension or conversion
- Insulating a conservatory which has no fixed heating
- installing a new fossil fuel boiler such as gas, oil or LPG
Of course, just because these households say they're interested, it doesn't necessary mean they'll all submit an application.
YouGov spoke to 1,400 adults in England, with their findings based on representative figures.
Of everyone who was asked, which includes both homeowners and renters, a quarter (25%) were “very interested” in the grant.
What is the Green Homes Grant?
The Green Homes Grant sees the government cover at least two-thirds of the cost of certain green upgrades, up to a maximum £5,000.
For example, a homeowner would pay £1,320 of a £4,000 bill for cavity wall and floor insulation, while the government would pick up the remaining £2,680.
Households on low incomes can receive vouchers covering 100% of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £10,000
Any homeowner or social or private landlord in England can apply for the voucher, as long as you've not previously received a grant through the Local Authority Delivery Scheme or if you've got a new-build property.
How do I apply for the Green Homes Grant?
The scheme hasn't launched yet but applications open this Wednesday, September 31.
The government is asking homeowners to use the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) website to see what energy-saving improvements can be made to your home.
The SEA website will bring up accredited tradespeople in your area that can undertake the work – it's recommended that you get at least three quotes to make sure you're getting the best price.
Once you've found a price, apply for the voucher – but don't agree to any work until you've had your voucher confirmed.
You must make sure the work is scheduled to be completed, and the voucher redeemed subject to its terms and conditions, by 31 March 2021.
Check back on the Gov.uk page tomorrow for further instructions on how to apply.
You can see a list of what energy-saving jobs are covered in the box above.
Jess Ralston, analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: “It’s not surprising the Green Homes Grant looks to be popular amongst the public.
“This can only be good news for consumers and traders alike as bills will be reduced and jobs created all over the country, whilst also benefiting the environment.”
Peter Smith, Director of Policy and Research at the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) said: “Millions of people across the UK face winter in properties which are dangerous or unfit for colder seasons.
“During cold spells, poor housing can lead to sharp rises in energy use, needless lives lost and avoidable stress to our highly stretched health services.
“The UK Government’s recent investment to improve the energy efficiency of our leaky housing is hugely welcome.”
The Sun has contacted the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for comment.
Martin Lewis explained how the Green Homes Grant works and how you can apply.
Beware of scammers offering fake £5,000 Green Homes Grant vouchers.
It comes as energy bills are set to fall by £95 for 15million homes as a cap on prices is to be slashed.
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