Under new proposals from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), local authorities in England will be able to bid for funding from a £20 million pot to help households benefit from the Green Deal on a street-by-street or area basis.
Local authorities will identify target streets and areas in their regions that could most benefit from the Green Deal, and then offer incentives to households in these areas to encourage them to install energy efficiency home improvements under the Green Deal. Local authorities will propose incentives as part of their bids for funding, which will be assessed by DECC.
Climate change minister, Greg Barker, said: “If we are going to deliver the Green Deal at real scale then we need a ‘street-by-street’ vision and a ‘street-by-street’ plan! It starts here! However, local authorities really know their areas best. They know which streets and properties could most benefit from a Green Deal to improve their energy efficiency, and what local people need to provide them with a greater choice.
“The Coalition is committed to helping hard pressed consumers and this £20 million funding will help more families benefit from the Green Deal, making homes warmer and more efficient, and protecting consumers against rising energy bills.”
To allow the development of strong bids local authorities will be able to bid up to 31 December 2013 or until the funds are exhausted.
Also confirmed today is the establishment of a Green Deal Provider Forum to look at ways of supporting and enhancing the Green Deal and the energy efficiency retrofit sector. The forum will be chaired by Ian Cheshire, Group CEO Kingfisher Plc, and will include senior representatives from the Green Deal Provider community and broader retrofit industry, with support provided by the Green Deal Oversight and Registration Body.