The UK government has made the decision to cease the Green Homes Grant voucher scheme from 31/03/2021. All vouchers issued will be honoured but no more vouchers will be granted.
We explore alternative sources of funding installers can benefit from and discuss new schemes that will be introduced to support the government’s environmental objectives.
Despite the withdrawal of the Green Homes Grant scheme, the government remains committed to a 68% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and has ambitions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As a result, there remains funding available for installers and we expect that the funding that was made available for the Green Homes Scheme will be allocated to new ‘green’ schemes. To leverage this funding you will still require PAS and Trustmark certification.
What is the ECO government funding plan?
The UK government has committed to reducing emissions by the fastest rate of any major economy. Boris Johnson has unveiled his Ten-Point Plan to create and support 250,000 jobs, which will help achieve these ambitious emissions targets. The current Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is an obligation on larger energy suppliers to provide energy efficiency and heating measures for fuel-poor households across Great Britain. Since the programme began in 2013, 2.8 million measures have been installed in over 2.1 million homes. Eligible households that benefit from measures, can save up to £300 on their energy bills, compared to an identical household. Households are eligible if they receive certain benefits, live in the least efficient social housing, or are referred by their local authority participating under ECO Flexible Eligibility.
It is intended to increase the ambition for energy efficiency and continue to prioritise low income and vulnerable households and focus on those living in the least efficient homes to make them warmer and healthier. The next iteration of ECO will run from 2022 to 2026 with an increase in value from £640m to £1bn per year. It will be designed to align with other domestic energy efficiency policies in social housing and the private rented sector. In England, the intention is for ECO to primarily focus on insulating the lowest-quality homes and improving them as close to an EPC C as is cost-effective and suitable for the property.
Payments are made from funders or direct from the energy suppliers and not the government and so an established system is already in place. There are no vouchers or mobile apps but you do still have to work to PAS2030:2019 and TrustMark standards.
What is the Local Authority Delivery Scheme?
The Local Authority Delivery scheme (LAD) is being implemented over 3 phases. It is an improvement fund to social housing that is a component of the Green Homes Grant and aims to work with local authorities to ensure money is targeted at those living in social or privately rented accommodation.
On the 23rd March 2021, BEIS announced nationwide home upgrades with over 50,000 households to get warmer, greener homes in a £562 million fund. It will enable over 200 local authorities across England and Scotland to fund a nationwide upgrade of the UK’s least energy-efficient and fuel-poor homes. This includes measures such as cavity wall, underfloor and loft insulation and replacing gas boilers with low carbon alternatives like heat pumps where appropriate. It will help both low-income families and social housing tenants and as part of the scheme, funding will go to every English region and Scotland.
This fund requires PAS2030:2019 and for installers to be TrustMark registered to deliver it.
Benefits of PAS2030 beyond funding
Aside from gaining PAS to work within these government-funded schemes, it is also an opportunity to implement a quality management system that ensures your business demonstrates commitment for continuous improvement, meets customer requirements and strives to exceed their expectations. Typically, the implementation of a quality management system would also offer increased operational efficiency, improved staff engagement and help to win new business by demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction.
How to achieve PAS 2030 and Trustmark
As a UKAS-accredited certification body, British Assessment Bureau can offer Government-endorsed certification with the official ‘crown and tick’ across all PAS 2030:2019 standards.
Once you have achieved PAS 2030 with us we will be able to support you with Trustmark registration. You will also be registered with the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body (Green Deal ORB), which will confirm your status as an ECO-Installer.
For a no-obligation quotation, complete the quote request form below. Alternatively, call one of our helpful team on 0191 222 0306 (Mon – Fri 9am-5pm).
