Grants and Schemes news from 2024
135 stories, newest first
- December 2024
Deadline for pension credit applications to be backdated for this year's Winter Fuel Payment
Pension credit claims must be submitted by 21 December 2024 to be backdated, the route by which households not already on means-tested benefits can still qualify for this winter's Winter Fuel Payment.
Consultation on ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes closes
The National Insulation Association has answered a government consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, which closed on 12 December 2024.
Ofgem publishes consultation on a debt relief scheme for energy debt accrued during the energy crisis
Ofgem has opened a consultation on a one-off, time limited debt relief scheme for energy debt built up during the energy crisis, with responses due by 6 February 2025.
British Gas Energy Trust publishes 2024 Impact Report marking 20 years
The British Gas Energy Trust has published its 2024 Impact Report, covering 2023/24 and 20 years of work on fuel poverty, with £16.3 million in support for more than 64,000 clients.
Ofgem consults on delivery, funding and eligibility options for an energy debt relief scheme
Ofgem has opened a consultation on whether to create an energy debt relief scheme, setting out delivery, audit, funding and eligibility options for support aimed at crisis-era arrears.
Ofgem consults on a one-off Energy Debt Relief Scheme
Ofgem consulted in December 2024 on a one-off Energy Debt Relief Scheme that could support up to 2.3 million customers and write off between £0.5bn and £1bn of crisis-era energy debt.
New phase of Warm Home Prescription launched with SGN and Fuel Bank Foundation
Energy Systems Catapult has launched a new phase of its Warm Home Prescription service with SGN and the Fuel Bank Foundation, offering energy credits of up to £245 to eligible households in Scotland and southern England.
So Energy introduces 0% finance option for solar installations
So Energy has introduced a 0% finance option that lets customers spread the cost of a solar installation, the supplier said in a December 2024 article on solar panel costs.
Winter Heating Payments to be paid from December 2024
Winter Heating Payments of £58.75 will be paid automatically from December 2024 to people in Scotland receiving certain benefits, alongside Child Winter Heating Payments and the Warm Home Discount.
- November 2024
Which? reports heat pumps can be cheapest way to heat a home with grants and specialist tariffs
Which? has reported that combining the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant with specialist heat pump tariffs can make heat pumps the cheapest way to heat a home, with savings of up to £560 a year.
WH:SHF Wave 3 application window closes
The application window for Wave 3 of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund closed at midday on 25 November 2024, ending bidding for a scheme originally allocated £1.29bn for social housing retrofit in England.
£500 million allocated to Warm Homes: Local Grant in Autumn Budget
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has allocated £500 million from the Autumn Budget to the Warm Homes: Local Grant, for delivery in England from 2025 to 2028.
DESNZ announces further £30 million for BUS in 2024/25, raising Year 3 budget to £180 million
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has added £30 million to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for 2024/25, taking the Year 3 budget to £180 million.
DESNZ announces measures to support low-carbon heating
DESNZ has added £30 million to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme this financial year, set a reformed Clean Heat Market Mechanism for 1 April 2025 and removed the one metre boundary rule for air source heat pumps in England.
Government announces BUS budget increase to £295 million for 2025/26
The government has almost doubled the Boiler Upgrade Scheme budget to £295 million for 2025/26, up from £205 million in 2024/25, as part of wider plans to grow the heat pump market.
Government announces Warm Homes Plan steps with boosted heat pump funding and planning reform
The government has set out the first steps of its Warm Homes Plan, boosting Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding, removing the one metre heat pump planning rule in England and reforming the Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
Total funding available for local authorities announced
The government has announced the total funding available to local authorities for the Warm Homes: Local Grant, a £500 million scheme to upgrade low-income homes in England from 2025.
EAS writes to the First Minister urging reinstatement of the Fuel Insecurity Fund
Energy Action Scotland has written to the First Minister asking him to restore the Fuel Insecurity Fund, worth £30 million last year, in next month's Scottish budget.
NGN launches free CO alarm giveaway for CO Awareness Week
Northern Gas Networks is giving away up to 2,000 free carbon monoxide alarms from 18 November 2024 until 28 February 2025, after its research found only 37 per cent of people in its regions have a working alarm.
Welsh Government announces additional £700,000 for Fuel Bank Foundation schemes
The Welsh Government has added £700,000 to Fuel Bank Foundation fuel voucher and Heat Fund schemes, bringing support for 2024/25 to £1.2m for households that pre-pay for energy.
Energy Bills and the Price CapScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
DESNZ publishes ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes consultation
DESNZ has opened a consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, covering installation standards, guarantees and a proposed Pay-For-Performance mechanism.
ECO4A insulation measures per property rules applied retrospectively
Amendments to the Energy Company Obligation orders limit insulation measures per property and apply retrospectively to installations completed on or after 14th November 2024, under an order made on 31st July 2025.
Legislation to allow combined loft and cavity wall insulation and smart thermostats in GBIS from consultation publication date
The government has confirmed it will legislate to let Great British Insulation Scheme projects install two insulation measures together and fit smart thermostats in low-income homes, backdated to 14 November 2024.
Solid floor and underfloor insulation became installable together under GBIS
Ofgem has confirmed that solid floor insulation and underfloor insulation can be installed together in the same Great British Insulation Scheme retrofit, under rules it says apply from 14 November 2024.
British Gas Energy Trust reopens Energy Support Fund for winter applications
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Energy Support Fund for winter, offering grants of up to £2,000 to British Gas customers in England, Scotland and Wales who are behind on their bills.
Birmingham City Council publishes version 6.0 of its ECO4 and GBIS Statement of Intent
Birmingham City Council has published version 6.0 of its Statement of Intent for ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme flexible eligibility, covering declarations issued from 1 November 2024 until March 2026.
Consultation on ECO4 and GBIS mid-scheme changes concluded
The government has concluded its November 2024 consultation on mid-scheme changes to ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, confirming rule changes intended to lift delivery before both schemes end in March 2026.
Government commits initial £3.4 billion for Warm Homes Plan
The government committed an initial £3.4 billion for its Warm Homes Plan in November 2024, covering financial years 2025-26 to 2027-28, with up to 300,000 households expected to benefit from upgrades.
Scottish Government announced £41 million additional energy cost support
The Scottish Government put £41 million into winter 2024/2025 energy cost support, split between the Scottish Welfare Fund and Warmer Homes Scotland.
- October 2024
Autumn Budget commits £3.4bn to energy efficiency of low-income homes
The Autumn Budget has committed £3.4 billion over three years to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes, with £1.8 billion directed to fuel poverty schemes.
Household Support Fund extension announced
The Chancellor announced funding on 30 October 2024 to extend the Household Support Fund for a further year, with £742 million going to local authorities in England from April 2025.
British Gas Energy Trust and Post Office launch winter pop-up events
The British Gas Energy Trust and the Post Office are running free drop-in pop-up events at post offices in seven UK cities this winter, offering budget planning, energy debt advice and grant access help.
NEA announces delivery of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures with the four gas distribution networks
National Energy Action has announced delivery of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures, a £12.2 million programme with the four gas distribution networks, intended to reach around 30,000 vulnerable people.
Version 3 Statement of Intent withdrawn
The City of Edinburgh Council has withdrawn the 2023 Statement of Intent for ECO4 flexible eligibility Version 3, the document that set out which households the council could declare eligible for ECO4 Flex.
Green Homes Wales pilot scheme launched by Welsh Government with Development Bank of Wales
The Welsh Government has launched the Green Homes Wales pilot with the Development Bank of Wales, offering homeowners interest-free loans and funded retrofit advice for energy-saving work.
Fourth round of winter Post Office Pop-Ups launches
The British Gas Energy Trust has opened a fourth winter round of money and energy advice Pop-Ups in Post Offices across Britain, running two days a week until March 2025.
Secretary of State authorises Ofgem to over-allocate Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant vouchers
The Energy Secretary has authorised Ofgem to over-allocate Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers by up to £50 million, lifting the scheme's available total to £200 million for the financial year.
Budget allocates £3.4 billion to the Warm Homes Plan
The government allocated £3.4 billion to the Warm Homes Plan in the Autumn Budget, including £1.8 billion for fuel poverty schemes, alongside tax incentives for electric vehicles.
Budget confirms £3.4 billion Warm Homes Plan downpayment but no new energy bill support
The first Budget of the new Government confirmed £3.4 billion for the Warm Homes Plan but offered no new support for households with energy bills this winter.
New crisis route introduced for households without heating or hot water
The Welsh Government has added a crisis route to the Warm Homes Nest scheme, giving one-off emergency repairs to households with no heating or hot water who meet the scheme's eligibility rules.
UK Government launches heat pump campaign for England and Wales
The UK Government has launched a heat pump campaign for England and Wales, encouraging households to adopt the technology and apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Green Homes Wales pilot launched in autumn 2024
The Green Homes Wales pilot, launched in autumn 2024, has offered households above the Nest and ECO4 income thresholds advice, interest-free finance and vetted retrofit experts.
Green Homes Wales scheme launched
The Welsh Government launched the Green Homes Wales scheme in October 2024, offering interest-free loans of between £1,000 and £25,000 to homeowners for energy-saving improvements.
Household Support Fund extended to end of March 2026 at same funding level
The Budget has extended the Household Support Fund to the end of March 2026 at the same cash level as under the previous government, with no inflation adjustment, while confirming £3.4 billion for the Warm Homes Plan.
Public support for energy social tariff surges ahead of the Budget
Opinium polling for the Warm This Winter campaign puts public support for an energy social tariff at 75 per cent, up from 57 per cent before the General Election, ahead of the Budget.
Research finds 84% of disabled pensioners expect to lose Winter Fuel Payments
Opinium research reported by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition finds 84% of older people with a long-term health condition or disability say they will no longer receive Winter Fuel Payments.
Tariff uplift increased BUS grant levels
Ofgem's twelfth Boiler Upgrade Scheme quarterly report confirms the grant rose to £7,500 for air and ground source heat pumps from 23 October 2023, with £189.7 million allocated in Year 3.
TrustMark audits identify poor-quality solid wall insulation under ECO4 and GBIS
TrustMark audits in October 2024 found significant poor-quality solid wall insulation installed under ECO4 and GBIS, prompting installer suspensions and a wider government audit.
Warm Home Discount scheme to open in October 2024
The Warm Home Discount in Scotland reopens in October 2024, paying £150 towards energy costs, as charities report rising energy debt among Scottish households.
Winter Fuel Payment means testing proceeds despite campaign concerns
The UK Government is proceeding with means testing the Winter Fuel Payment, as charities warn up to 970,000 eligible older people miss out on Pension Credit and will lose the payment.
- September 2024
Autumn Budget increases funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Autumn Budget has increased funding for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, with the remainder of £1.8bn after fuel poverty support allocated to the grant scheme.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund collection withdrawn
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund collection was withdrawn on 23 September 2024 and replaced by the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, closing a grant route that had allocated more than £1 billion to social homes in England.
Warm Homes: Local Grant guidance first published
The government first published guidance for local authorities on the Warm Homes: Local Grant on 23 September 2024, setting out how £500 million will fund energy upgrades to low-income homes in England.
ECO4, ECO Flex and GBIS closed pending Warm Homes Plan announcement
Act on Energy has reported that ECO4, ECO Flex and the Great British Insulation Scheme are closed, with all three waiting on the next UK Government announcement of the Warm Homes Plan.
Ofgem opens call for evidence on ECO4 and GBIS evidencing routes
Ofgem has opened a call for input on how eligibility is evidenced under ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme, covering data-matching and benefit letter routes.
Winter Fuel Payment qualifying period closes amid Pension Credit processing delays
The Winter Fuel Payment qualifying period closes on 16 September 2024, while the Pension Credit helpline warns that new claims may take nine weeks to process.
Household Support Fund extension announced
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has announced an extra £500 million to extend the Household Support Fund in England to 31 March 2025, with £421 million going to local authorities.
Individuals and Families Fund reopens with grants up to £1,700
The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Individuals and Families Fund, offering energy debt grants of up to £1,700 to British Gas and non-British Gas customers with credit or pre-payment meter arrears.
Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria set to change
Winter Fuel Payment eligibility is being narrowed so that only pensioners receiving certain means-tested benefits qualify, with fuel poverty charity National Energy Action warning that many low-income and vulnerable pensioners in Wales will lose the £200 to £300 annual payment.
Analysis estimates NHS cost of winter fuel payment cut
Analysis from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition estimates that pensioners pushed into cold damp homes by the winter fuel payment cut could cost the NHS more than £169m a year.
Chancellor refuses to reverse Winter Fuel Payments cut
Rachel Reeves has refused to reverse cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, as the Energy Secretary announced plans to force landlords to meet stricter energy efficiency standards for rented homes.
Home Energy Scotland launches Community Analytics report pilot
Home Energy Scotland has introduced a Community Analytics report and opened a 2024-25 pilot offering the tool to up to 20 community groups across Scotland.
PAWHP to replace Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland on a means-tested basis for winter 2024
The Scottish Government has confirmed that Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will replace the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland for winter 2024, mirroring the UK Government's restricted eligibility and paying £200 or £300 to between 110,000 and 130,000 pensioners.
Wave 3 scheme launch defined as publication of final guidance documents
Wave 3 of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund counts its launch from the September 2024 publication of final guidance, the point from which co-funding may be claimed.
Winter Fuel Payment backlash enters fourth week
The campaign against the removal of Winter Fuel Payments from millions of pensioners has entered a fourth week, with the Prime Minister defending the decision as petitions pass 700,000 signatures.
- August 2024
Citizens Advice calls for reform of the Warm Home Discount
Citizens Advice has published analysis of continuing energy debt and called on the government to reform the Warm Home Discount before winter, as the price cap is forecast to rise.
Qualifying date for Warm Home Discount winter 2024/25 passes
The qualifying date for the Warm Home Discount in winter 2024/25 was 11 August 2024, meaning eligibility for the rebate was assessed on that day.
Analysis finds pensioners face highest energy bills on record this winter
End Fuel Poverty Coalition analysis for the Telegraph finds pensioners who previously received the maximum Winter Fuel Payment will face the highest real-terms energy bills on record in winter 2024/25.
- July 2024
Halifax launches Green Living Reward cashback offer
Halifax has opened a Green Living Reward cashback offer to its mortgage customers, paying up to £2,000 for air source heat pumps and up to £1,000 for other efficiency improvements.
Charities write to Chancellor urging reconsideration of Winter Fuel Payment removal
More than 50 organisations have written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves asking the Government to reconsider restricting the Winter Fuel Payment to pensioners on certain means-tested benefits.
Chancellor announces Winter Fuel Payment eligibility restricted to benefit recipients
The Chancellor restricted Winter Fuel Payment eligibility from winter 2024-25 to people receiving Pension Credit and certain other benefits, cutting the Block-Grant Adjustment by an estimated £150 million.
Government announces winter fuel payments will be means-tested
Means testing of the Winter Fuel Payment, announced on 29 July 2024, drove a 145% rise in pension credit applications, with nearly half of processed claims rejected.
Energy UK publishes policy proposals for affordable bills this winter
Energy UK has proposed funding energy efficiency schemes from general taxation, shifting policy costs onto gas bills and doubling the Warm Home Discount to cut household bills this winter.
SGN publishes article on fuel poverty support partnerships
SGN has set out how its Safe and Warm Community Scheme with the Centre for Sustainable Energy and its Safe and Warm programme with Citizens Advice Scotland are reaching households in fuel poverty.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant increase credited with rising heat pump take-up
The Climate Change Committee credits higher Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding and grants with a significant rise in heat pump take-up, in its 2024 progress report to Parliament.
Big Energy Credit Claim Back campaign set to end
The Big Energy Credit Claim Back campaign, which saw more than 20,000 customers reclaim unused credit from suppliers, ends on 1 July as households begin saving again for winter.
Government announces means-testing of Winter Fuel Payments
The Government has announced that Winter Fuel Payments will be means-tested from this winter, restricted to pensioner families on Pension Credit or an equivalent benefit, saving £1.3 billion rising to £1.5 billion.
Government planned significant cut to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility
The government planned a significant cut to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility in July 2024, then reversed course so all pensioners keep the payment, with higher incomes clawed back.
UK Government restricted Winter Fuel Payment entitlement
The UK Government restricted Winter Fuel Payment entitlement in July 2024 to households receiving Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits, cutting the Block-Grant Adjustment by £147 million in 2024-25.
- June 2024
Solar PV and battery storage removed from HES Grant and Loan scheme eligibility
From 6 June 2024 the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme stopped accepting new referrals for solar PV and battery storage, ending support even when these were installed alongside a heat pump.
Cadent Foundation marks five years and publishes 2024 Impact Report
The Cadent Foundation has marked five years with an Impact Report showing over £3.3 million awarded in 2023, support for more than 35,000 people, and plans to double its reach.
Rural uplift of £1,500 introduced for heat pump and energy efficiency grants
Home Energy Scotland has added a £1,500 rural uplift to its heat pump and energy efficiency grants, raising the maximum support for eligible rural and island homes to £9,000.
- May 2024
Boiler Upgrade Scheme marks second anniversary with applications up 93% year-on-year
Applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme rose 93% in April 2024 compared with April 2023, as the scheme marked its second anniversary with more than £148 million paid out.
Grant categories and grant levels list added for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The government has added a list of approved grant categories and grant levels to its published Boiler Upgrade Scheme regulations page, setting out what the Secretary of State has approved under the scheme rules.
HES Grant and Loan Scheme changes approved
The Scottish Government has confirmed that changes to the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme, including ending new funding for solar panels and batteries, were approved on 15 May 2024.
EPC insulation recommendation requirement removed
The requirement for homes to have no outstanding loft and cavity wall insulation recommendations on their Energy Performance Certificate before receiving a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant was removed on 8 May 2024.
First Warm Home Prescription trial with an energy supplier launched with ScottishPower
Energy Systems Catapult has launched the first Warm Home Prescription trial run with an energy supplier, with ScottishPower installing efficiency measures at no cost to households through the Energy Company Obligation.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme extended to April 2028 with additional £1.5 billion
The government has extended the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to April 2028 and added £1.5 billion of funding over three years, according to Ofgem's annual report on the scheme it replaced.
First phase of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures begins
National Energy Action has begun the first phase of Warm Homes, Healthy Futures, a multi-year fuel poverty and health programme across England, Wales and Scotland, backed by the four gas distribution networks.
- April 2024
BUS regulations amended by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2024
Ofgem's quarterly reports confirm the Boiler Upgrade Scheme regulations were amended in May 2024, with the scheme's budget, grant levels and application rules changing repeatedly since.
ECO4 Delivery Guidance version 2.1 published
Ofgem published version 2.1 of its ECO4 Delivery Guidance on 5 April 2024, adding rules on customer contributions, insulation preconditions, electric heating and hybrid heat pumps.
ECO4 Measures Table version 3.0 published
Ofgem has published version 3.0 of the ECO4 Measures Table, adding an electric storage heater row and revising footnotes and eligibility presentation.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme applications more than doubled year on year after grant increase
Applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme more than doubled in April 2024 compared with April 2023, after the grant rose from £5,000 to £7,500, according to figures cited by industry.
Household Support Fund extension began
The Household Support Fund extension to 30 September 2024 began on 1 April 2024, with £421 million allocated to local authorities in England for vulnerable households.
TrustMark notifies DESNZ of suspected fraud under ECO schemes
The National Audit Office reports that TrustMark told DESNZ in April 2024 that some retrofit businesses were suspected of overclaiming for work carried out under the Energy Company Obligation.
Warm Homes advice service full public launch
The Welsh Government has confirmed that a full public Warm Homes advice service will be launched on 1 April 2024, offering impartial advice on using energy more efficiently.
Warm Homes Nest scheme launched
The Welsh Government launched its new demand-led Warm Homes Nest scheme on 1 April 2024, replacing the previous Nest contract, which ran to the end of March 2024.
Wave 2.2 grant funding allocated
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund's Wave 2.2 allocated £75.5 million of grant funding in April 2024, building on £778 million awarded under Wave 2.1 in March 2023.
New Welsh Government Warm Homes programme launched
A new Welsh Government Warm Homes programme began on 1 April 2024, shifting support towards low carbon measures such as heat pumps and solar panels, as Nest published its 2023-24 annual report.
WHAM funding taken over by Wales & West Utilities
The Centre for Sustainable Energy says its WHAM advice service in Bristol, BANES and North Somerset has been funded by Wales & West Utilities since April 2024.
- March 2024
Warm Homes, Healthy Futures national health programme launched by NGN, NEA and UK gas distribution networks
Northern Gas Networks, National Energy Action and the UK's other gas distribution networks have launched a multi-year fuel poverty and health programme, Warm Homes, Healthy Futures, at the House of Lords.
DESNZ announces delay of Clean Heat Market Mechanism and changes to Boiler Upgrade Scheme
DESNZ announced on 14 March 2024 that the Clean Heat Market Mechanism would be delayed to 1 April 2025 and that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme would drop its insulation requirement and accept biomass boilers with integrated cooking functions.
DESNZ announces significant changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, including relaxed insulation rules, new biomass eligibility and tighter commissioning deadlines, in force from 8 May 2024.
DESNZ publishes Boiler Upgrade Scheme consultation outcome
DESNZ has set out the outcome of its Boiler Upgrade Scheme consultation, keeping the EPC requirement but dropping the rule that loft and cavity wall insulation recommendations must be resolved first.
Government announces changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Clean Heat Market Mechanism
Claire Coutinho has announced changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, including new eligibility for biomass boilers with integrated cooking functions and a higher capacity limit for shared ground loops.
Government removes EPC insulation requirement from Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility
The government has removed the Boiler Upgrade Scheme rule requiring no outstanding loft and cavity wall insulation recommendations on a valid EPC, and has consulted on delaying the Clean Heat Market Mechanism.
Government response to Boiler Upgrade Scheme regulations consultation published
The government has confirmed changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme rules, dropping the EPC insulation recommendation bar and widening eligibility for biomass boilers and shared ground loops.
Nesta publishes report on future subsidies for heat pumps
Nesta has published a report on improving heat pump subsidies and welcomed the removal of an insulation condition from the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, while warning that a delay to the Clean Heat Market Mechanism could unsettle the market.
Nesta responds to Boiler Upgrade Scheme regulations consultation
Nesta has told a government consultation that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme should keep its EPC requirement but drop the rule barring homes with outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations.
Secretary of State correspondence published on consultation responses
Correspondence dated 14 March 2024 from the Secretary of State covers the Boiler Upgrade Scheme consultation response, an addendum to the Clean Heat Market Mechanism response, and the Improving Boiler Standards and Efficiency response.
Children's rights impact assessment published for new Warm Homes Programme
The Welsh Government has published a children's rights impact assessment for its new Warm Homes Programme, which replaces Nest and extends eligibility to low income households as well as those on benefits.
Welsh Government publishes integrated impact assessment for new Warm Homes Programme
The Welsh Government has published an integrated impact assessment for its new Warm Homes Programme, setting out a £260 million cost, carbon savings and a worst first approach to fuel poverty.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme allowance increased to £7,500 per heat pump installation
MCS has said the Boiler Upgrade Scheme allowance has recently been increased to £7,500 per air source and ground or water source heat pump installation in England and Wales.
Existing Nest scheme to end in March 2024
The Welsh Government has confirmed its Warm Homes Nest scheme will close at the end of March 2024, with a replacement programme starting on 1 April to avoid any gap in provision.
Fuel Insecurity Fund ceased
The Scottish Government's Fuel Insecurity Fund ceased in 2024/25, after making more than £63 million available to households since late winter 2020.
Household Support Fund extended by six months with £500 million
The Household Support Fund, which was due to close on 31 March 2024, has been extended by six months so that a further £500 million reaches vulnerable households before 30 September 2024.
NAO report highlights challenges in decarbonising home heating
The National Audit Office's March 2024 report found delays and cancellations in hydrogen heating trials and lower than expected Boiler Upgrade Scheme uptake, drawing industry criticism of the advice behind heat policy.
NEA launches GB-wide fuel poverty and health programme
National Energy Action has launched Warm Homes, Healthy Futures, a Great Britain wide fuel poverty and health programme backed by the four gas distribution networks, with delivery starting in May.
Spring 2024 Budget extends Windfall Tax and Household Support Fund but ends other support
The Spring 2024 Budget extended the Windfall Tax and the Household Support Fund for limited periods, but ended other bill support on 31 March and announced no new energy efficiency funding.
- February 2024
Eligible chargepoint model list first published
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles published its first list of electric vehicle chargepoint models eligible for its grants, covering residential, commercial and dual-use equipment.
Labour announces new warm homes plan
Labour has announced a new warm homes plan, prompting the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action to call for urgent, funded action on energy efficiency for the households least able to heat their homes.
120 organisations sign letter urging Household Support Fund extension
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition joined 120 organisations in a letter to the Chancellor asking for the Household Support Fund to be extended by at least a year, as new figures put the cost of the bills crisis at £2,300 per household.
BUS vouchers awarded rise 75% year on year after grant increase to £7,500
MCS reports that Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers awarded in February 2024 were 75 per cent higher than a year earlier, following the increase in the grant from £5,000 to £7,500.
Electrical storage batteries included in the stated VAT circumstances
Electrical storage batteries installed in homes and relevant charitable buildings were brought within the VAT energy-saving materials rules from 1 February 2024, under stated circumstances.
February 2024 drop in fuel voucher help
Citizens Advice says the number of people it helped with fuel vouchers fell in February 2024, after a record January, as £299 Cost of Living payments and the warmest February on record eased immediate pressure.
Homes for Net Zero scheme opens
E.ON and Energy Systems Catapult opened the Homes for Net Zero research scheme in February 2024, offering vouchers and efficiency measures to owners of solid-walled homes with smart meters.
Relevant charitable purpose definition inserted
The definition of a relevant charitable purpose has been inserted into the VAT rules for installing energy-saving materials, taking effect from 1 February 2024.
VAT ESM relief reforms to be implemented on 1 February 2024
The government has confirmed it will expand VAT relief on energy-saving materials from 1 February 2024, adding electrical battery storage, water-source heat pumps and diverters across the whole United Kingdom.
- January 2024
VAT relief extended to charitable purpose buildings, water source heat pumps, battery storage and Smart diverters
From 1 February 2024 VAT relief on energy-saving materials was extended to charitable purpose buildings, water source heat pumps, electrical battery storage, smart diverters and associated groundworks.
£16m fund opens for West Midlands homeowners to pay for energy efficiency improvements
The West Midlands Combined Authority has opened a £16 million Home Upgrade Grant fund giving eligible off-gas-grid homeowners in four council areas grants of up to £18,000 for insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.
Treasury makes the VAT (Installation of Energy-Saving Materials) Order 2024
The Treasury has widened the temporary zero rate of VAT on installing energy-saving materials to cover water source heat pumps, certain batteries and smart diverters from 1st February 2024.
Leeds City Council launches Home Upgrade Grant scheme with Everwarm
Leeds City Council has opened a Home Upgrade Grant scheme with Everwarm, offering free energy upgrades to eligible off-gas homeowners and a two-thirds discount to landlords, backed by £15.5 million that expires in March 2025.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant rise to £7,500 drives applications up nearly 39%
Ofgem's eighth Boiler Upgrade Scheme quarterly report shows 6,835 voucher applications between February and April 2024, after the heat pump grant rose to £7,500 in October 2023.
Scottish Central Government Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme stopped funding new measures
The Scottish Central Government Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme has not funded new measures since January 2024, with its funding due to end in 2026, according to the Scottish Government's Heat in Buildings progress report.
Winter Fuel Payment cut back
The Winter Fuel Payment, cut back in 2024, will be restored to many pensioner households in England and Wales from winter 2025, but only where income is below £35,000 a year.