News Government Green Homes Grant scheme extended
The deadline to apply for Green Homes Grant Voucher to cover costs to make homes more energy efficient has been extended.
Maidstone Borough Council is encouraging people to sign-up to the scheme which could help save up to £600 on their energy bills.
The government run Green Homes Grant scheme invites homeowners and landlords in England to apply for a voucher towards the cost of installing energy efficient and low-carbon heating improvements to homes. It was due to finish at the end of March 2021 but will now remain open until March 2022.
The Green Homes Grant was first announced in July 2020 to provide millions of families vouchers to spend on energy-saving measures, including installing loft, cavity wall, or solid wall insulation which can make a noticeable difference to how warm people feel and reduce their energy bills. The scheme also covers low carbon heating improvements including heat pumps and solar hot water.
Cllr Martin Cox, Chair of the MBC Policy and Resources Committee said:
“The extension of the Green Homes Grant scheme allows more people to take advantage of applying to make their homes more energy efficient, install low-carbon heating improvements and save money on their energy bills.“We would encourage everyone to look at the voucher scheme now, check to see if they are eligible and choose the right measures for their home.”
The government will provide a voucher that covers up to two thirds of the cost of qualifying improvements to your home. The maximum value of the voucher is £5,000. However, some may be able to receive a higher level of subsidy if they are a homeowner and either they or a member of their household receives one of the qualifying benefits, covering 100% of the cost of the improvements. (The maximum value of these vouchers is £10,000.) However, landlords cannot apply for the low-income part of the scheme.
All installers for the Green Homes Grant scheme must be Trustmark accredited.
Help is available via the government Simple Energy Advice website so that people can see if they are eligible and choose the right measures for their home: https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/ or call 0800 444202 – phone lines are open Monday to Friday between 8am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.
Applicants must redeem the voucher and ensure improvements are completed by 31 March 2022.