Green scheme

[tankflybos]

Anybody looking at this? Currently searching my way through low carbon options. I'm thinking solar water heating panels maybe but don't know much about them

I want new external doors and a smart thermostat system so initial layout needs to cover that cost.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/906544/ghg-additional-information.pdf

[ComtesseDeSpair]

Have to say, I was surprised at the criteria because I had assumed the whole point of the initiative was to be populist and to get the industry moving again. Insulation, seals, efficient boilers, doors, that kind of stuff. But looking at the scheme, it prioritises things like heat pumps and solar panels, which aren’t viable for a huge proportion of people, let alone those in fuel poverty.

We have a 15-year-old combi gas boiler and an even older front door which we would have gotten replaced if there was a grant. As it stands, we aren’t included, so we won’t. But in a previous life I’ve had both a heat pump and photovoltaics and they aren’t something you choose if you’re hard up. This scheme is neither one which will encourage middling homeowners who were thinking of making improvements; nor one which will enable the poorest to make their homes more energy efficient.

[tankflybos]

I suspect it's to do with their carbon change "promises" but yes, it's quite limited.

Why aren't you included in the scheme?

[ComtesseDeSpair]

You have to spend a certain amount on solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation; air source or ground source heat pumps; or solar thermal.

Only after that, if you’ve invested in one or more of the above, can you get grant for “secondary measures” such as draught-proofing, new doors, and better heating controls. So basically, the measures which most people on the lowest incomes are most able to afford, are secondary.

We’re not hard up, l’m not complaining that we can’t benefit. Just expressing surprise because I had assumed it was about bolstering the industry by encouraging people like me, who are on the cusp of spending money on new things; or about helping those who most needed it. Nobody really needs encouraging to get a heat pump!

[tankflybos]

You don't need to pay the full cost of the carbon reduction measures, the scheme will cover 2 thirds of it or all of it if you are in receipt of one of the listed benefits.

So if you are a homeowner on the lowest incomes you can apply for a voucher for solar water panels or cavity wall or loft insulation, for example, up to £5k. Then you'd get the same again for new doors, thermostat, draught exclusions.

[tankflybos]

And it wouldn't cost you a penny, surely people will be able to benefit from that?

[OneRingToRuleThemAll]

I was disappointed to hear the update. I had paid the deposit on new double glazing following the first announcement, being careful to choose a reputed local firm on the basis that the ethos of the scheme is to get small businesses back into work.

As it stands they are very good, and are returning my deposit. But having spoken with the manager they were looking forward to a bumper season after the whole summer of being forced to close, yet now all their upcoming work is being cancelled.

[bookgirl1982]

We had hoped to use it to replace an aging boiler, old double glazing and a door but none of these are covered. We already have the loft insulated and the other types aren't right for us.

[EnjoyingTheSilence]

Same here, was looking at replacing an old boiler or old windows. Oh well, not surprised really.

[cattasaurus]

Well I'm getting a heat pump been heating the house with smokeless (lol) coal for years finally I can enter the modern era and stop resembling Dick Van Dyke from Mary Poppins after cleaning out the stove.

[EnjoyingTheSilence]

Just looked up the cost of a heat pump 😮 don’t think we’ll be able to get one of those unfortunately

[tankflybos]

Haha, sounds like a good idea cat

I'm trying to see which local firms are registered and eligible for the scheme to get them round for some quotes and ideas of what we can do but hopefully will be able to make some use of it despite the limitations

[Forwhatitsworth101]

I understand the maximum you can get is 5k for most people or 10k for low incomes- if the cost of the heat pump/primary measure (most people have some form on insulation) is average 10k or more then that doesn’t leave anything for double glazing/secondary measures. Some of the primary measures are expensive to install anyway!

[Forwhatitsworth101]

I have my dad living with me on universal credit so might be able to get the full amount. I was thinking about the solar panels for water heating or super insulation which might mean I can get 5k of primary measures and another 5k towards secondary.

[AntiHop]

This is disappointing. We were hoping to apply for this to replace our old double glazing which is completely useless. What a shame that upgrading double glazing is not included.

[EnjoyingTheSilence]

Same here @AntiHop