This blog was commissioned for Green Home Voucher by Fresh Digital Agency.

The Green Homes Grant initiative by the UK government is designed to increase energy efficiency of homes across England, while boosting jobs and the economy as a part of the post-pandemic recovery plan. This will create thousands of skilled jobs, support the construction industry, provide the needed funds to keep households warmer during colder months and save homeowners thousands of pounds annually on gas and electric rates. The initiative will be launched on September 1st 2020, and only TrustMark registered businesses can be used for the Green Homes Vouchers. This will give households confidence that improvements to their homes will be of the highest quality. 

What properties are eligible? 

Not all properties are eligible for the scheme. Non-domestic properties and new-build domestic properties are not included in the Green Homes Grant Voucher initiative. So far the UK government has announced that all long-lease holders, shared ownership homes, landlords of privately rented domestic properties, landlords of social sector domestic properties including local authority homes, and park home owners including Gypsy and Traveller sites, are all covered. Only properties in England are eligible as the initiative does not include Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. 

Why are new build properties not included? Recently built homes would likely already be equipped with the latest energy saving best practices, such as double or triple glazing, sufficient loft insulation, energy efficient doors and draught proofing. 

Who can apply? 

As long as your property fits the above mentioned eligibility threshold, you can apply. Your vouchers will be roughly 66% of your energy saving home improvement project, up to £5000. For instance, if your project estimate is £4000, your vouchers should be approximately £2640, with you paying the remaining £1360 of the bill. 

The low-income Green Home Voucher 

Low income households are also covered under the Green Homes Grant initiative, but limited to owner-occupied properties and park homes only. Households receiving disability or income-based benefits would be eligible for vouchers covering 100% of the home improvement project, up to £10,000. You are eligible for this if you receive one of the following benefits: 

  • • Income based Jobseekers allowance (JSA)
  • • Income based Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
  • • Income Support (IS)
  • • Pension Guarantee Credit
  • • Working Tax Credit (WTC)
  • • Child Tax Credits (CTC)
  • • Universal Credit (UC)
  • • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • • Attendance Allowance
  • • Carer’s Allowance
  • • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  • • Contribution based Jobseekers allowance (JSA)
  • • Contribution based Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
  • • Housing benefit

Contact your Green Homes Voucher agent for more details on applications, eligibility and approved contractors.