Response to the PAC Report on the Green Homes Grant

1 December 2021

Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, responds to the Public Accounts Committee report on the Green Homes Grant

“The Green Homes Grant simply did not achieve what it was intended to do: spearhead uptake of domestic renewables, support confidence in the sector and provide a much-needed boost for installers.

“Since its launch, we openly expressed our frustration at the way the scheme was administered. It was overly complicated to navigate for consumers and installers, placing an undue burden on both.

“The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report underlines the scope of the financial failures that beset the scheme. The government must now move forward and ensure that future consumer incentive schemes are operated efficiently.

“We welcome the core recommendations of the report and will continue to work with the government to encourage direct action related to these much-needed changes.

“To rebuild consumer and industry confidence, a future incentive scheme must be built from the ground up in conjunction with the businesses that deliver the work. A well-designed scheme, embedded with proper accountability and scrutiny, is key to repairing the trust that’s been lost.

“The recent Heat and Buildings Strategy is ambitious, but it will only be achieved with strong industry collaboration – something we’re loud and clear on.

“Our message is: listen to our installers and their concerns. Everything from training and scaling up operations, to administration and financial obstacles, must be considered before a new grant scheme is rolled out to consumers.

“The PAC report demonstrates just how significantly the Green Homes Grant underperformed. If we are to reach the UK’s net-zero goals and bolster heat pump installations, then effective, long-term policies – that have been well-researched, prepared and tested – are vital.

“This is especially important as the industry awaits the launch of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, expected in April 2022. It arrives as the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive closes, so it must not be allowed to suffer the same fate as the Green Homes Grant.”