Green Homes Grant announced to improve energy efficiency

The Chancellor announced in July’s budget that the UK Government will introduce a new £2billion Green Homes Grant for landlords and homeowners. This will help make their property more energy-efficient.

Under the scheme landlords and homeowners in England can apply for a voucher to fund at least two-thirds of the cost of hiring tradespeople to upgrade the energy performance of their homes, up to a maximum contribution of £5,000.

The scheme is open to anyone who would benefit from eligible energy efficiency measures. Homeowners will be able to apply for a Green Homes Grant through the Simple Energy Advice website. After answering some basic questions about their home, applicants will be recommended eligible energy efficiency measures, along with local accredited suppliers. Once an application has been approved vouchers will be issued and final payment made on completion of work by an accredited supplier.

The aim of the Green Home Grant is to upgrade over 600,000 homes across England. The UK Government says that this will save households hundreds of pounds per year on their energy bills.

The scheme will open for applications in September 2020 and further details of the scheme will be announced in the coming weeks.