More people will get money off technology that keeps their homes warm in winter and cool in summer after the Government has announced plans to expand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
This currently offers grants of £7,500 off the cost of installing an air source or ground source heat pump, now the scheme has been expanded to offer a £2,500 discount off the cost of installing an air-to-air heat pump, which can provide heat in winter and air conditioning in summer.
The grants are available to all households and form part of the government’s £13.2 billion Warm Homes Plan, rather than being funded in addition to this budget as previously expected.
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:
“The Government doesn’t seem to know if it is coming or going.
“One week they are briefing the media that energy efficiency budgets may be slashed in the Budget. The next they are talking up heat pumps and calling for households to apply for support.
“Households struggling with the fifth winter of high energy bills need to know what help will be available to them to keep their homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
“The Government’s Warm Homes Plan and fuel poverty strategies need to be published without any further delay so households know where they stand and industry can ensure enough skilled workers are trained.”