In a drive to increase the number of energy efficient homes in England, from the end of September 2020, the government will provide to home owners a voucher worth up to £10,000.00 to help cover the cost of making energy efficient improvements to their homes.
Who is eligible?
You will be eligible for the voucher if you own your own home which is based in England or you are private or social landlord of a home in England. If you therefore rent your home, you cannot apply yourself but you can approach your Landlord to see if they are willing to apply to make improvements to the home.
What costs will the voucher cover?
The voucher will cover two-thirds of the cost of the improvements up to a value of £5,000.00 unless you are on low income or receive certain benefits which will allow you to recover the full cost of the improvements up to a value of £10,000.00.
The voucher may be applied for from the end of September 2020 and must be redeemed prior to works commencing. All home improvement works must be finished by 31 March 2021.
What works will the voucher cover?
The voucher covers a wider variety of works and can be used to cover what the government have called “Primary Measures”. If you have installed at least one specified Primary Measure you may also use the voucher to help towards the cost of a “Secondary Measures”.
Primary Measures include works such as insulating solid walls, under floor, cavity walls and installing low carbon heating measures such as solar thermal heaters.
Secondary Measures include draft proofing, double/triple glazing where replacing single glazed windows or installing external energy efficient doors.
How do you apply?
To apply for the voucher, property owners will need to use the Simply Energy Advice (SEA) Website.
When you apply, you will need to have the following information available:
• The name and date of birth of the home owner;
• The name and date of birth of anyone living at the property who is in receipt of benefits;
• A quote from the relevant contractor;
• The licence number of the contractor.
For any further information on the Green Homes Grant or any other property issues, please do not hesitate to contact our Property or Landlord and Tenant Team on 01702338338.
This article does not necessarily deal with every important topic or cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not designed to provide legal or other advice. If you require specialist advice on this topic, please contact us to discuss how we may assist you.
