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Household energy efficiency measures, upgraded schools and hospitals, and ‘green jobs’ will be key planks of the economic recovery, according to Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
His Summer Statement confirmed plans for a new £3bn programme that would make more than 650,000 homes more energy efficient, saving households up to £300 a year on their bills and supporting around 140,000 green jobs.
In addition, £1bn will be spent on improving the energy efficiency of public buildings – such as schools, hospitals and council buildings – and £2bn on a Green Homes Grant. This will give householders access to grants worth up to £5,000 to install energy-saving improvements, such as heat pumps and improved insulation. Starting in September, the grants will cover at least two-thirds of the cost, but the government will issue vouchers covering the full cost of up to £10,000 for low-income households.
Sunak said the scheme would be supported by a £50m fund to help develop the best low carbon heating solutions.
