Owners of houses in Greater Manchester with low energy efficiency ratings will able to continue to access up to £10,000 from the Green Homes Grant to pay for improvements until September.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has confirmed it has been granted funding to continue the programme until September. The Green Homes Grant launched in November 2020 as part of the government’s strategy to revitalise the economy after the coronavirus pandemic through investment in green technologies and to support tradespeople back into work.
Owner-occupiers and residential landlords of EPC band E, F and G can apply for funding of up to £10,000 (£5,000 for landlords) towards the cost of installing insulation, low carbon heating systems, or more energy efficient glazing. Tradespeople must be registered with the grant scheme to be eligible to conduct the work.
With over 500 households in Greater Manchester already set to benefit, the £5.6 million additional funding will cover improvements for a further 821 properties. GMCA is being supported by energy provider E.ON to deliver the Green Homes Grants across the city-region.
Cllr Andrew Western, GMCA Lead for the Green City-Region, said:
Retrofitting is a major tool at our disposal in the effort to tackle fuel poverty, create new skills and jobs, and decarbonise our city-region, so it’s great news that we’ve been able to continue this scheme through to September.
“We’re acutely aware that this remains a challenging time for many people. These kinds of measures can not only cut the cost of energy bills but also improve the quality of our homes, making them better and more economical in the long run. A Green Homes Grant could make a real difference in so many ways, so I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take advantage of this very positive initiative.”
Nigel Dewbery, Director of Residential Solutions at E.ON, said:
Improving the energy efficiency of homes across the UK is key to meeting the nation’s net-zero targets, and can dramatically improve people’s living conditions, by helping to increase their comfort and reduce their energy bills.
“We’re delighted to be bringing these benefits to households across Greater Manchester as we continue to work with GMCA to install energy efficiency measures, such as insulation, solar panels or air source heat pumps, in the homes of eligible residents.”
Applicants who qualify for the scheme will receive a home survey to determine which improvements are suitable for their homes, which would then be installed by a TrustMark-registered contractor. All surveys and installations will be carried out in full accordance with Public Health England guidelines to protect the health and safety of both residents and staff.