Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme — [Mr Laurence Robertson in the Chair]

He highlighted the need for a massive uplift in energy efficiency across all housing sectors and criticised the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme, stating it was doomed to fail due to poor planning. He mentioned that only 5,800 installations occurred by February with less than 1,000 being low carbon measures.

Mr Jones expressed concern over the failure of the Green Homes Grant Scheme, which enabled fewer than 6,000 installations out of a stated target. He highlighted design flaws that led to delays and burdensome regulatory frameworks for builders and installers. Mr Jones stressed the importance of lifting energy efficiency standards in homes as a key measure for decarbonisation and urged for long-term investment certainty from the Government to address Britain's skills shortfall in this area.

He expressed concern about the focus on transport over buildings in climate change discussions, highlighting that domestic buildings account for 30% of energy use and 19% of emissions. He praised local innovations like Greencore Construction's net zero homes but criticized the cancellation of the Green Homes Grant Scheme due to low uptake and other issues. He welcomed the pre-COP26 conference in his constituency and praised the Government's green industrial revolution plans, highlighting the £12 billion investment from the UK government and three times as much from the private sector.

Acknowledged the good intentions behind the green homes grant scheme but highlighted its problems due to lack of approved installers and issues exacerbated by further lockdowns. Called for more focus on sustainable materials such as engineered wood and lambs' wool insulation and supported VAT cuts to incentivise consumers. Hoped for another attempt at a similar scheme with lessons learned.

She congratulated the right hon. Member for Ludlow on securing the debate and highlighted cross-party agreement about the need for a green homes grant scheme, despite its barriers in the initial six-month period. She pointed out that 40% of UK carbon emissions come from households and stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes to improve future schemes. Anderson also mentioned over 210,000 applications had been made before the scheme's closure and suggested a minimum 10-year grant programme is needed to develop industry skills and provide investor confidence. She expressed concerns about the closure of the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme and urged the Government to reflect on the lessons learnt to ensure that future schemes are more effective in supporting householders in decarbonising their homes.

Apologised for the technical delay and reminded Members to clean their spaces before and after use, as well as wear masks when not speaking. The Chair, Laurence Robertson, mentioned the need to leave a couple of minutes for Mr Dunne to wind up at the end.

Welcomed the announcement of the green homes grants scheme in summer 2020 to support construction, slash energy costs and tackle fuel poverty but criticised its failure due to ministerial infighting and bureaucratic incompetence. Of £1.5 billion originally allocated, only £300 million was reallocated; the TUC estimated that scrapping the scheme would cost 13,000 jobs in the north west. Urged reflection on failings and work with industry leaders and local authorities to design an ambitious yet achievable plan. He questioned the extent of £300 million investment for green home upgrades and highlighted concerns about the lack of support for low-income households.