The Green Homes Grant – Local Authority Delivery scheme (not to be confused with the Voucher scheme that has now ended) is a new Government-backed eco initiative that allows local authorities to fund energy improvements in low-income homes for free.

The goal of this program is to assist households in reducing their energy expenses while also improving the warmth and comfort of their homes.

What is the Green Homes Grant?

The Green Homes Grant, which was established by the government and is a £2 billion that aims to assist homeowners to pay for energy-saving improvements such as wall insulation, solar panels, and air source heat pumps.

This is intended to enhance the warmth of homes while also lowering energy expenditures and assisting the United Kingdom to attain zero-carbon status by 2050.

If you own a residential property, you may get a Green Homes Grant voucher to cover the expense of making energy-efficient improvements.

Related: How Do Solar Panels Work? (EXPLAINED)

How Does The Green Homes Grant Work?

The Local Authority Delivery scheme allows local authorities in England to apply for funding to help homes in their region pay for energy efficiency improvements. They may then choose who will carry out the home improvement grants on their behalf.

The Green Homes Grant program initially had two areas: one where eligible households may apply for free cash from their local authority, and another part where customers who didn’t meet the requirements might get a voucher to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of the improvements. This portion has just lately been terminated.

How Can I Apply For The Grant?

Applications to the Green Homes Grant scheme are currently closed I’m afraid. Furthermore, if you have already been given a voucher, you may still utilize it to have the work done. You should claim your voucher before it expires.

When the scheme reopens you can signup here.

How Much You Can Get?

Your voucher covers up to two-thirds of the cost of your selected improvements, with a maximum government contribution of £5,000.

If you or someone living in your household receives certain benefits, your voucher may cover up to 100% of the cost of your chosen upgrades. The maximum overall government contribution is £10,000.

Who Is Eligible For A Green Homes Grant?

If you applied for a voucher before 31 March 2021, you may be eligible for one if:

  • you own your own home (including long-leaseholders and shared ownership)
  • you own your own park home on a residential site (including Gypsy and Traveller sites)
  • you’re a residential landlord in the private or social rented sector (including local authorities and housing associations)

The Green Homes Grant cannot be used to pay for the construction of new homes that have not previously been inhabited.

What Home Improvements Can I Get With The Green Homes Grant?

What the voucher can be used for?

Home improvements

The available measures are split into ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ measures.

Primary measures

The voucher must be used to install at least 1 primary measure.

Insulation

The following insulation measures are covered by the voucher:

  • Solid wall insulation (internal or external).
  • Cavity wall insulation.
  • Under-floor insulation (solid floor, suspended floor).
  • Loft insulation.
  • Flat roof insulation.
  • Pitched roof insulation.
  • Room in roof insulation.
  • Insulating a park home.

Related: Can You Get Grants For Loft Insulation in 2022?

Low carbon heat

The following low carbon heating measures are covered by the voucher:

Secondary measures

If you put in at least one primary measure, your voucher may be used to assist with the expenses of any of the secondary measures listed below. The amount you get reimbursed for secondary measures cannot exceed the cost of primary measures.

After you’ve installed a primary measure and redeemed the coupons for that measure, you’ll be able to redeem vouchers for secondary measures only once. You will not be able to utilize the voucher to repair measures already installed in your property.

Windows, doors, insulation, and draught-proofing

The following measures are covered by the voucher:

  • draught-proofing
  • hot water tank insulation
  • double or triple glazing (where replacing single glazing)
  • secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing)
  • external energy-efficient replacement doors (replacing single glazed doors, or doors installed before 2002)

You can’t use the coupon to remove or replace any of this equipment if they’re already in place.

Vouchers for qualified doors are limited to a maximum government funding of £1,000 per door. This amount may be combined across all the doors on an application.

The voucher cannot be used to install a garage door that allows cars to enter and exit the garage.

A voucher may, however, be used to purchase an external door that connects a garage to your home.

Heating controls and insulation

The following measures are covered by the voucher:

  • hot water tank thermostat
  • hot water tank insulation
  • heating controls (such as appliance thermostats, smart heating controls, zone controls, intelligent delayed start thermostats, and thermostatic radiator valves)

If the replacement is for a different type and is intended to increase energy savings, you can use the voucher to exchange heating controls and hot water tank thermostats.

For example, you may replace a manual thermostat with a smart thermostat.

What the voucher covers

Costs that are covered by the voucher include:

  • Labor
  • Materials
  • VAT

FAQs

Can I apply for gas or LPG Heating

No, the grant does not cover fossil fuel heating, this includes but is not limited to the following:
Gas boilers
Oil boilers
Coal boilers

Can I replace existing double glazing?

You can only replace single glazing with the voucher. This means you can upgrade to double and even triple glazing as long as the property has single glazing currently.

Can I replace external doors?

If your home has external wood doors, you may get them replaced on the program if it has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. You’ll also need to show that you’re a low-income or government assistance recipient.

Who qualifies for the 100% grant?

If your household income is less than £30,000 and you or a dependent is receiving a means-tested payment, you may apply. If you have savings of more than £16,000, you will not be able to apply at this time. Landlords must contribute to the work carried out.

How do I know my house qualifies?

A D, E, F, or G Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating is required for your house. If the EPC rating is greater than a D, the property does not qualify. If you own an older home with an existing energy performance certificate.

Do I need to own my house to qualify?

Owner-occupiers, private tenants, and Housing Association renters can all apply for a grant. If you rent your home, your landlord must consent to any work and make a contribution.

About the Author

Passionate about helping households transition to sustainable energy with helpful information and resources.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}