Justina Miltienyte, policy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The Green Homes Grant was an innovative and well-meaning idea that hoped to increase the energy efficiency of our homes, while giving tradespeople a boost at a difficult time.
“Today’s figures reveal just £191 million of the initial £1.5 billion budget has been allocated for improvements, with 52,000 households having an application approved - not quite the 600,000 homes promised.
“It’s unfortunate that a flagship green policy failed to have the impact it could have done, and there are lessons that must be learned about administering such schemes.
“However, the core idea of improving the energy efficiency of our homes is solid, and it is vital that households are encouraged to make changes that cut heat loss. Without improving energy efficiency at home, we will not be able to cut carbon emissions in line with the Government's new targets.
“With the torch now passed to local authorities, we expect households should still be able to effectively use the £300 million allocated towards upgrading their homes[1].
“Insulating your home is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make your house more energy efficient and cut your power bill.”
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.
