The Government’s much vaunted Green Deal has been under way for some months now but has had an under whelming impact on the general public since its launch. There have been criticisms that public awareness of the scheme is low, or maybe people are put off by the up-front payment for an assessment of their house.
Helen Jones, Conveyancing Associate, explains how it works. "The green deal gives special loans or grants to improve the energy efficiency in your home in a bid to reduce energy bills. Money is available for over 40 different things, including boiler upgrades, double glazing, cavity wall insulation and under floor heating."
How do people qualify?
You do not need to be on a low income – anyone can apply for this scheme. An assessor will visit your home and check where energy savings can be made, they will need to look at your energy bills and ask about your usage. A report is produced showing energy saving improvements that could be made and your potential saving on energy bills. It will also tell you about any extra subsidies you may be eligible for.
Assessors must be members of the Green Deal scheme and there are around 100 organisations you can choose from. Some companies will do a free assessment and others may charge from £100 - £150. This fee may be waived if you choose to have the work done through their company. As the Government are keen to get the scheme up and running they are offering cash back for people who get in early.
You will only pay back what you are expected to save on your energy bills each month so there is no net cost to you. Repayments are spread over a 10-25 year period, and added onto your monthly or quarterly energy bill plus interest. The energy company will make the repayments for you.
One key point to note is that the ‘loan’ is attached to the house – not to you. So, if you move house, the new owner has to take on the payments through their electricity bill.
Please call 01202 499255 and Helen or a member of her team will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.