Uswitch comments on the Green Homes Grant figures released by the Government

Uswitch has issued the below comment on the Green Homes Grant (Local Authority Delivery) figures released by the Government this morning.

Justina Miltienyte, policy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Increasing the energy efficiency of our homes is a vital part of getting to net zero, and the Green Homes Grant is a well-meaning policy that can still have a significant impact if administered well. 

“Following the initial rollout of the Green Homes Grant, the policy is continuing at a local level.

“Some £200 million of funding has been allocated with the aim of upgrading 25,000 low-income homes, with 234 local authorities signing up to the scheme.

“Today’s figures show that just 2,418 measures had been installed by the end of May this year, with 11,664 households identified to receive funding under the first phase.

“The average cost for upgrades was £4,596, suggesting just £11 million of the £200 million budget has been spent so far.

“More than a quarter of the upgrades were delivered in London, with only five per cent in Yorkshire and the Humber, and three per cent in the North East. 

“It’s still early days for the new administration of the scheme, and it deserves time to find its feet, but more needs to be done to make households aware of the money available to them, especially in the areas where the take-up so far has been low.

“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.

“Insulating your home is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make your house more energy efficient and cut your power bill.”