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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
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.
Alan Whitehead
Lab
Southampton Test
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.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
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.
David Johnston
Con
Wantage
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.
Duncan Baker
Con
Wycombe
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.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
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.
Welwyn Hatfield
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.
Mick Whitley
Lab
Birkenhead
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.
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.
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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.