The 2020 Green Home Grant Scheme | Sash Window Specialists

This article is being regularly updated in-line with the latest information being released by the UK government.

What is the Green Home Grants Scheme?

The Green Home Grants Scheme is a new programme first announced by the UK Government in July 2020 and then clarified on 5th August. It will provide vouchers generally worth up to £5,000 to homeowners and landlords for the purpose of making their homes more energy-efficient. It aims to encourage the adoption of energy-saving features like double glazed windows or insulation.

We must stress that there are very stringent requirements that dictate whether you are eligible for the scheme and how much you may be able to receive. Therefore, if you are interested in learning more about whether your intended renovations qualify, we recommend that you read through the following information in great detail.

What work is eligible for cover under this scheme?

As of August 2020, the government clarified a list of very specific household renovations that qualify for funding through the Green Home Grants Scheme, which has been divided into primary and secondary measures.

Please note that only if you are conducting renovations covered under the primary measures can you apply for funding with the secondary measures. Households looking to pursue secondary measures alone are not eligible.

Primary measures covered by the Green Home Grants Scheme

Insulation – e.g. solid wall, cavity wall, loft, flat roof, room in roof, under-floor or park home
Low carbon heat – Air source heat pump, ground source heat pump, solar thermal

Secondary measures covered by the Green Home Grants Scheme

Draught proofing
Windows – only if you are looking to replace single glazed windows with double or triple glazing, or add secondary glazing in addition to single glazing
Doors – specifically upgrading to energy-efficient doors
Heating controls and insulation – appliance thermostats, hot water tank thermostats, hot water tank insulation, smart heating controls, delayed start thermostat, zone controls, thermostatic radiator valves.

How much does the grant provide?

How much you may be eligible to receive will differ based on your income and the specifics of your green renovation project.

First of all, the amount you receive for any secondary renovations cannot surpass the amount you receive for your primary renovations. This means that, for example, if you were accepted for a grant of £1,500 for your home insulation, you will only be eligible for up to £1,500 for any window installations.

While the maximum amount the scheme can provide is up to £5,000, lower-income households may be eligible for up to £10,000. Criteria for this is outlined below.

Eligibility for low-income scheme

To qualify, you must 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
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

How do you apply for the Green Home Scheme?

When applications for grants open in September, you will need to enquire via the Simple Energy Advice website.

You will need to have obtained a quote from an approved installer. This means that the party carrying out the work on your home must meet the requirements of PAS 2030.

Only once you have a finalised quote and the renovation work is fully approved will the voucher be issued.

How long will the Green Home Grants Scheme last for?

According to the government’s August 2020 announcement, the scheme will be open for applications for six months from late September 2020 to the end of March 2021.

What is the scheme looking to achieve?

When he initially announced the Green Home Grants Scheme in July, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said that the funding will help:

To make 650,000 homes more energy efficient
Save households an average of £300 a year on energy bills
Have a carbon-cutting effect equivalent to taking 270,000 cars off the road
Support around 140,000 green jobs.

An estimated total of £2 billion worth of grants will be allocated to homeowners and landlords. £1 billion will be spent making public buildings – such as hospitals and schools – more environmentally friendly. A further £50 million will be used to retrofit social housing with insulation, double glazed windows and heat pumps.

The funding also aims to help Britain meet its legally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050.

Does this mean I should wait until September to consider renovations like window upgrades?

No, it is still worth pursuing options and discussing with a window specialist as soon as possible, so once applications open in September, you know exactly what you are looking for.

Moreover, there is no guarantee that your renovations will definitely be eligible for grant funding. Cancelling or delaying work may, therefore, lead to disappointment further down the line.

How can upgrading your windows make your home more energy efficient?

Did you know that up to 25% of your heating bill could be seeping out of your windows? Single glazed, or faulty double glazed windows are the most common cause of excessive energy bills, as up to ⅔ of heat radiates through the glass. Read more about the energy-saving potential of window renovations here.

Here at The Specialist in Traditional Sash Windows, we are dedicated to a brighter, greener future. Not only do we provide our valued customers with much more energy-efficient glazing, but we are committed to environmentally friendly practices throughout our production process. We use intelligent, green machinery, recycle waste products and make all of our windows and doors from only the finest quality, durable timber – never plastic!

Looking for high quality, timber sash window or casement window installation, replacement or refurbishment? Want to discuss the upcoming Green Home Grants Scheme? Get in touch with The Specialist In Traditional Sash Windows today by filling out our quick enquiry form or phoning us on 0800 389 7384. We will be able to provide you with a free, no obligation quote.