Government scales back incentive scheme as applications flood in
The government has scaled back its Green Deal incentive scheme after it received applications for the first £50m of funding from the £120m scheme within just six weeks.
Figures release by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) showed that 7,925 cashback vouchers totalling £43.5m had been issued from the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund in the six weeks to 21 July, with a further 4,295 voucher applications received.
The rise in demand is a boost for the Green Deal, which has struggled to attract customers since it launched at the beginning of 2013.
In response to the demand the government said it would lower the amount of cashback homeowners could get for installing solid wall insulation, the most expensive measure supported by the scheme, from £6,000 to £4,000.
DECC said the change would take effect on Friday (25 July).
It also said flue gas heat recovery units would no longer be eligible for cash back under the scheme from 5 August.
Climate change minister Amber Rudd said the vouchers had “been flying out of the door”.
She added: “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 £120m in the pot this year, but it won’t be around forever so act now.”
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