Wera: Government’s Green Homes Grant Risks Rise in Scams

27 July 2020

In a letter organised by Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MPs have highlighted fears that the Government’s Green Homes Grant risks “throwing homeowners in the arms of scammers.”

The group raises concerns that the tight time frame for delivery of the scheme fails to allow time for comprehensive surveys, builders to prepare to take on the work or for the roll out of a training programme to upskill the UK workforce, and may be exploited by rogue traders.

They call on Government to make clear what steps they are taking to ensure the scheme is not exploited, whilst also calling on the Government to empower local authorities to lead on home insulation programmes and set out a route to boost skills through training.

Wera Hobhouse said:

“Any measure to improve energy efficiency and cut people’s bills is worth taking seriously but – in this case – the Government needs to give more clarity on the fine print. The Green Homes Grant looks like a rushed scheme that risks throwing homeowners into the arms of scammers.

“As things stand, the Government has failed to lay the necessary foundations to transform our homes. To make much needed changes, we must invest in training programmes, launch pilots and build up the expertise. This is crucial if we are to solve the home insulation crisis over the next 10 years. The Government are instead offering quick fix vouchers that risk seeing public money thrown down the drain if profiteers take advantage.

“Whilst the Government struggles to deal with the impact of COVID-19, the Climate Emergency cannot be forgotten. That’s why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a Green Recovery to this crisis. We are calling on Government to invest in making our communities, economy and lifestyles more sustainable. Home insulation and retrofitting – when done properly – is a central part of the change needed to make the UK carbon zero, but we must get this right to truly deliver results."

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