Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence...
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (the Department) about the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme. The government aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Buildings account for around 19% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions.1 To reduce emissions from homes the government wants consumers to use less energy, make greater use of green heating systems (alternatives to gas and fossil fuels) and for home heating to be more efficient. The Department has overall responsibility across government for achieving net zero, and it and its predecessor, the Department for Energy and Climate Change, have been responsible for a number of home energy efficiency schemes, such as the Green Deal, the Energy Company Obligation, the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Warm Front Scheme. These schemes have addressed different groups of energy consumers, over different periods of time.2
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2. PAC conclusion: Past experience shows that attempts to improve efficiency can inadvertently reduce the quality of services or increase costs elsewhere – what this Committee has called cost shunting.