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

27 May 2021

Lead MP

Philip Dunne
Ludlow
Con

Responding Minister

Paul Scully

Tags

EconomyClimateEnergyBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 10463
Other Contributors: 7

At a Glance

Philip Dunne raised concerns about green homes grant voucher scheme — [mr laurence robertson in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The lead MP asks for a long-term replacement scheme to be funded as part of the spending review announcements, with an easy-to-understand structure that covers a simple hierarchy of measures. He also suggests looking at VAT reduction on renovations and encouraging changes in stamp duty rebates to incentivise energy efficiency improvements.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Ludlow
Opened the debate
The green homes grant scheme, despite its ambitious aims to improve energy efficiency and create jobs, faced numerous challenges including delays in opening for applications, difficulties in accessing grants, low uptake by installation companies, and a failure to meet targets. By the time of closure, it had received over 113,000 applications but only achieved 57,500 vouchers issued and 15,500 measures installed. The scheme was also criticised for its short duration and complexity, which hindered its effectiveness in mobilising the energy-efficiency supply chain.

Government Response

Paul Scully
Government Response
The Government remains committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aiming to reduce emissions by 78% from 1990 levels. Despite the closure of the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme on March 31st due to not meeting expected delivery rates and scales, over £262 million worth of vouchers have been issued. The Government will invest more than £1.3 billion for energy efficiency and low-carbon heating in 2021-22, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and reducing heating costs for those most in need.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.