Green Homes Grant Scheme

Council backs new Green Homes Grant scheme offering up to £5,000 for home improvements

Vouchers worth up to £5,000 will be issued to eligible homeowners across South Northamptonshire to make their homes more energy efficient under a new government scheme being launched at the end of September.

South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) is encouraging eligible homeowners to apply to the Green Homes Grant scheme, which could help pay for environmentally-friendly home improvements such as heating controls and insulation or double and triple glazing.

Cllr Karen Cooper, portfolio holder for wellbeing, said: “This is a welcomed announcement from the Government, that we are pleased to support.

“Green home improvements will not only help many residents cut carbon emissions and save money on their energy bills but will create work for many thousands of builders and tradespeople across the district.

“The government will provide a voucher that covers up to two thirds of the cost of qualifying home improvements. The maximum value of the voucher is £5,000. However, you may be able to receive up to £10,000 if you or a member of your household receives a qualifying means-tested benefit.”

To obtain a voucher, homeowners will have to make an online application detailing the energy efficiency measures they wish to carry out.

Registration for a voucher will open late September 2020 at www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk.

Cllr Cooper added: “Although we are yet to hear from the Government when registration will be open, we would like to encourage those who are eligible to start thinking about their application. The Simple Energy Advice website is currently open for potential applicants to complete a pre-checker and to approach trust mark businesses to get estimates ready for when the online application is ready to go live.”

The measures will be spilt into two categories: primary and secondary. Homeowners must install at least one measure from the primary category to qualify for the vouchers.

Potential applicants can visit www.northantswarmhomes.com/green-home-grants-your-guide for further information on the categories and to check their eligibility.

Once homeowners have applied, their details will be forwarded to accredited local suppliers.
Once one of the suppliers has issued a quote, and the requested work has been approved, the Government will issue the voucher.

Further information from Government can be found on the Department for Energy & Industrial Strategy website - http://bit.ly/GovGreenHomes.