Former Labour leader Ed Miliband, now the shadow energy secretary, says the green homes grant scheme is in chaos.
Media reports in recent days say the high profile £2 billion scheme has descended into confusion with some renewable energy installers owed tens of thousands of pounds, while landlords and other property owners are waiting up to four months to have low carbon heating systems fitted.
Now Ed Miliband says: “This scheme has descended into an absolute fiasco. The government needs to urgently sort out this mess and crucially make sure small businesses are paid what they are owed.
“Far from creating green jobs, the government’s approach means workers in the renewable energy industry are actually being let go – worsening the economic crisis.
“This is yet another example of ministers cutting corners and outsourcing to companies that just aren’t up to the task. They must come clean about the details of this contract so taxpayers know exactly what their money has been spent on.
“Instead of a piecemeal, short-term, fragmented approach, we need a proper, long-term, comprehensive plan to transform our housing stock.”
Landlords can claim vouchers of up to £5,000 to pay for two-thirds of the work to replace fossil fuel heat systems with renewable energy appliances.
Installers have to be registered with Trust Mark which charges the installers £30 plus VAT to log each job.
The scheme was to end in March this year, but has been extended until March 2022 because of delays.
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Total waste of time and money from start to finish
Predictable when Public Sector interferes with market forces.
I don't want dearer energy but energy saving schemes must save money as well as energy to be viable - market forces. LED bulbs are successful, electric cars and heat pumps etc. not in current market. Insulation panels proven to be lethal.
Fix these issues before introducing useless Grant schemes which only push up prices and encourage cowboys.
Given its record with Test and Trace, is it really a surprise? We're still waiting on details of Boris's flagship new housing schemes, so we can expect them at some point in 2024, if at all.
The above scheme was rushed out far too quickly and is confused, poorly thought through and complicated. Would be interesting to know how many landlords have actually taken advantage of the scheme. I imagine the number is low, and will remain low in a year and a bit's time.
From what I can see so far it’s just not worth it to a landlord to install an air source heat pump. I’ve had a quote of 9k for a three bed house so I’d still have to find 4K. It might be worth encouraging our tenants if they are on benefits in applying as they can get 10k apparently. But frankly the whole thing is so confusing!!
In these very tragic and difficult times, this is probably a non-story right now. Especially as Labour are out of government so they actually cannot do anything except be an Opposition. We can focus on such green issues again when the pandemic has eased and the economy is in a better state.
Apparently the scheme is administered by a companion the US - how mad is that!!
Outrageous. Someone should be fired.
The Americans are laughing their heads off, and at the expense of my taxes......
Mad, mad and madder.
Labour so useless they make the Tories look competent
Give me Ed Miliband any day over Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson. Or, for that matter, the Environment Secretary, otherwise known as George 'Useless' Eustice - who entirely lives up to his nickname.
Good luck then.
Sorry to inform you that you are wrong. So very wrong.
Looks like I am the only one in here who is standing up for the concept, if not the implementation, of the scheme. I believe LL will not get the opportunity again in the near future to get "free money" from government to improve their homes and investments.
Yes, the administration of the scheme for the fitters needs to drastically improve. Only then will it encourage more companies like mine to get involved. However, to write the whole thing off as being a waste of time is not helpful -either to you or your tenants.
Changes to MEES are coming, Covid or not. Use the opportunity of the GHG to get ahead of the curve on the upgrades required.
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