Member News
By Tony Grew - 2nd June 2011
Climate change minister Gregory Barker has pledged that the 'green deal', the government’s flagship energy saving plan, will benefit consumers and homeowners.
Today he unveiled plans for a new green deal code to protect customers through the process from initial assessment to installation of energy saving measures in their home.
There will also be an impartial advice phone line and a new United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) will ensure assessors and installers "adhere to robust standards in order to participate in the green deal".
"The green deal will be the biggest home improvement programme since the Second World War, shifting our outdated draughty homes from the past into the future, so it’s vital people can trust it," Barker said.
"I have heard too many cases of shoddy workmanship or dodgy technology from government schemes in the past so from day one there will be strict rules about standards, information will be readily available and there will be a proper route for complaints.
"We've already started putting in place the foundations for this and I am pleased the United Kingdom Accreditation Service has been formally appointed to ensure that installers and assessors will meet the necessary standards when the green deal starts next year."
From 2012 people will be able to access up to £10,000 upfront to pay for energy efficiency work, repaying the costs through savings on energy bills.
Similar support will be available for businesses and there will be extra help for vulnerable people.
The Glass and Glazing Federation has welcomed today's announcements as helping to answer some of the "many questions" about this flagship scheme.
"Following many meetings and much lobbying the GGF is very pleased to see that energy efficient glazing and doors is being considered as one of the options within the 'building fabric' measure," said chief executive Nigel Rees.
"GGF prides itself on its drive towards greater consumer protection by its members and is pleased to see the proposed measures within green deal to assist consumers to make the right choice.
"We have members of all sizes and it is hoped that there will be clear guidance for all companies irrespective of size that meet the accreditation requirements to be able to work within the scope of green deal."
Shadow energy secretary Meg Hillier has said ministers should "beef up" their green deal plans for home insulation, which form part of the energy bill currently before parliament.
"In particular, the government should start insulating the homes of those poorest households living in fuel poverty," she said.
"The bill as it stands means that ministers are leaving the poorest out in the cold."
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