Latest news

Government unveils 'green loans' home improvement scheme

The government has announced the launch of a new pilot project which will see homeowners in the south of England given access to 'green loans' so as to allow them to boost the energy efficiency of their properties.

Under the terms of the new scheme, the loans will be attached to the houses themselves, rather than to the owners, who tend to move around every ten years, with occupants then asked to repay the money borrowed over a longer period.

It is hoped that this will allow consumers to avoid the large upfront costs usually associated with fitting some of the more effective energy-efficient measures, including insulation, double-glazing and even home renewable energy devices such as solar panels and wind turbines.

"This new approach will allow people to pay for home improvements after they have had them installed rather than before," explained Ed Miliband, the energy and climate change secretary.

"More people will be able to get the work they want done."

It is also estimated that as many as 65,000 jobs in the green home industry will be created through this eco-housing push over the next ten years.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see:

Department for Energy and Climate Change