Government cuts Green Deal cashback

Changes to the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) announced today have seen the amount homeowners can claim back for installing energy efficiency measures reduced.
From Friday 25th July, new applicants can receive up to £4000 for installing solid wall insulation, reduced from up to £6000. Flue gas heat recovery units will be removed from the list of approved measures, effective from Tuesday 5th August. Applications received prior to changes coming into effect will be honoured at the original rates.

The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) announced the reduction has been made to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from the energy saving measures while funds last.

The DECC revealed more than £43million worth of vouchers were issued in the first six weeks of the scheme, and well over £50m applied for.

Launched in June 2014, The GDHIF is designed to help those who install energy efficiency measures such as solid wall insulation and new heating systems by providing them with money back on the contributions they make towards improvements.

12,200 applications have been received and 7,925 households in England and Wales have received vouchers under the scheme, and the DECC expects to have reached £50m in vouchers issued within the next couple of days.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Climate Change, Amber Rudd, said: “Green Deal Home Improvement Fund vouchers have been flying out of the door. We’re delighted that so many families are already making the most of this very generous offer.

“Changes announced today ensure even more households can benefit from warmer homes using less energy. There’s up to £120 million in the pot this year, but it won’t be around forever so act now.”

From Friday 25th July, Green Deal Home Improvement Fund domestic energy customers can get:

· up to £1000 for installing two measures from an approved list; and/or

· up to £4000 for installing solid wall insulation; and

· up to £100 refunded for their Green Deal Assessment