Propertymark says national retrofitting programme backed up by longer-term funding is needed to drive forward plans to make UK homes more energy efficient
The UK Government’s three-year Boiler Upgrade Scheme begins today, offering £5,000 grants to property owners in England and Wales towards the cost of an air source heat pump, £6,000 for a ground source heat pump, and £5,000 for a biomass boiler for properties in rural locations and those not connected to the gas grid.
The scheme is being introduced alongside the new 0% VAT rate on selected energy efficiency materials and grants available to low-income households through some local authorities.
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns for Propertymark, said: “The UK’s housing stock is amongst the least energy efficient in Europe so the challenge to retrofit is huge.
“Pockets of funding are starting to emerge but are a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed.
“The property sector needs a national retrofitting programme that’s linked to realistic and achievable targets and dedicated, long-term grants that take into account the age, condition, and size of properties.
“Unless landlords and homeowners are given sustained financial incentives, it is unlikely any real progress will be made in helping them to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy bills.”
