Solar Energy UK
Immediate release
29/03/2021
Government to close Voucher scheme in two days’ time
Decision will likely lead to job losses
On 31 March 2021 the Government will close the Green Homes Grants Voucher scheme to new applicants, marking the end of its flagship home upgrade scheme just six months after its launch. [1] The decision comes despite high levels of interest from consumers and installers alike.
Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett said: The decision to scrap the Green Homes Grants Voucher scheme is disappointing and a setback for getting homes net zero ready. We urge the government to swiftly plug the gap left as a result of closing the scheme early in its forthcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy.”
“Closing the scheme early will hurt installation companies that have invested in staff in good faith to meet the strong demand for solar thermal technology and will inevitably lead to job losses.”
“We do welcome the news that the Local Authority Delivery and Social Housing Decarbonisation schemes will now receive additional funding to help those on low incomes secure green home upgrades. The Government must learn from these successful schemes and build a long-term policy to create viable job growth and a green economic recovery.”
The government had faced mounting pressure to address the administrative failings of the scheme in recent weeks from both industry and politicians, with the Environmental Audit Committee’s 3rd Parliamentary report calling for the scheme to “be urgently overhauled and extended to provide greater long-term stimulus to the domestic energy efficiency sector.” [2]
Solar Energy UK worked with industry associations in the energy efficiency sector to propose solutions for the beleaguered scheme. [3] The decision now leaves the UK without a plan for decarbonising housing, where energy use currently accounts for approximately 14% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions. [4]
The Green Homes Grants Voucher scheme is administered separately to the Green Homes Grants Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme, which has seen around half a billion pounds in funding allocated to local authorities and England’s five Local Energy Hubs to invest in green home upgrades. [5]
Solar PV, solar thermal and energy storage are all eligible technologies under the LAD scheme and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Demonstrator, in which 2/3 projects under phase one include solar energy. [6]
ENDS
Editor’s notes:
[1] Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Government boosts energy efficiency spending to £1.3 billion with extra funding for green homes https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-boosts-energy-efficiency-spending-to-13-billion-with-extra-funding-for-green-homes
[2] Environmental Audit Committee – EAC calls for climate and nature investment to be prioritised in the economic recovery: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/62/environmental-audit-committee/news/139275/eac-calls-for-climate-and-nature-investment-to-be-prioritised-in-the-economic-recovery/
[3] Solar Energy UK – Industry associations call for four-point plan to fix Green Homes Grants scheme: https://solarenergyuk.org/news/industry-associations-call-for-four-point-plan-to-fix-green-homes-grants-scheme/
[4] Climate Change Committee – UK housing: Fit for the Future?: https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/UK-housing-Fit-for-the-future-CCC-2019.pdf
[5] Solar Energy UK – Solar installers poised to roll-out green home upgrades via local authorities: https://solarenergyuk.org/news/solar-installers-poised-to-roll-out-green-home-upgrades-via-local-authorities/
[6] Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Demonstrator – successful bids: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-housing-decarbonisation-fund-demonstrator-successful-bids
For further information or to request an interview, please contact:
Name: Jack Dobson-Smith
Title: Senior External Affairs Adviser
Main line: 0203 637 2946