?Please note: On 23 July 2015 the government announced that it has ceased funding for the Green Deal. There may be other schemes available in your area – please visit our guide to Boiler, Central Heating & Insulation Grants 2018 for more information.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has today confirmed that its popular Green Deal cashback scheme, in the shape of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund, is to open again following its closure at the end of July. By the end of November, the Government will provide a boost to its Green Deal scheme by making £100 million available to homeowners installing energy saving improvements.
The announcement was made at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Glasgow. By making more money available it means more people will be able to live in warmer, greener homes. So says energy secretary Ed Davey who confirmed that GDHIF will enter a second phase to help meet the demand for cheaper energy bills and more energy efficient homes.
Originally launched back in June, the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund provided homeowners with a range of cashbacks for carrying out eligible improvements to their homes, such as installing a new energy saving condensing boiler, replacement windows and home insulation including loft and cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation. Up to £5,600 cashback (down from £7,600) could be applied for. However the cashback incentive proved extremely popular and with the initial £120 million on the verge of drying up, without warning the Government closed down GDHIF.
It’s been a little over 10 weeks since the scheme’s closure, and in that time various industry bodies have been working with the Department of Energy and Climate Change to try and find a way forward that will benefit homeowners and Green Deal providers and installers.
The news that GDHIF is to make a comeback is of course very welcome. The first phase gave the Green Deal a much needed boost for the energy efficiency industry. And there’s little doubt that the second phase will be just as well received. Although with some small businesses still waiting for their payments after eight weeks, factions of the industry may be wary of getting involved, and quite rightly so.
While no date has been confirmed for the return of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund, we do know that it should make its reappearance before the end of November. We expect a further announcement next month regarding the eligible measures and cash back rates. It’s likely that new rules will also apply.
Commenting on the scheme’s comeback, Davey said GDHIF vouchers went like “hot cakes” previously and with the new injection of funding “more people can live in warmer, greener homes sooner.”
For more information, read the official press release from DECC.
