Recommendation 14

The Green Homes Grant voucher scheme proved a disappointing failure, and it is important that the reasons for its failure–that it was created too quickly, had high management and administration costs, and did not last long enough–should shape future schemes. Above all both the voucher scheme and the previous Green Deal failed to achieve the expected level of take up by the public. These repeated failures make it essential that future schemes are a success and that all relevant government departments, including the Treasury, alter their approach accordingly. Although the funding delivered through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is welcome, we note that the scheme will only fund at most 90,000 additional heat pumps, and there is seemingly no role for local authorities in the delivery of the scheme. The effectiveness of the scheme should be monitored closely to ensure its successful contribution to retrofitting of homes.