GGF pledges to work with DECC on new plan after Green Deal

Today, GGF Group Chief executive Nigel Rees said the announcement came as no surprise, and reiterated that the Federation had consistently warned that the initiative would not work for the replacement window industry.He continued: “The GGF now looks forward to working with the current Government to ‘make new policy and build a system that works’ as outlined by Amber Rudd. The GGF believes it is essential to improve the energy efficiency within the existing building stock and people’s lifestyles as well as reducing carbon emissions. Moving forward, the GGF is keen to work constructively with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and will be contacting them to discuss a new proposal from an industry perspective, offering our expertise, suggestions and solutions.”

Last week the Government announced that there will be no further funding to the Green Deal Finance Company. Amber Rudd also announced that the Government will stop any future funding releases of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund but added that ‘the Government will work with the building industry and consumer groups on a new value-for-money approach’.

She said: “We are on the side of hardworking families and businesses – which is why we cannot continue to fund the Green Deal. It’s now time for the building industry and consumer groups to work with us to make new policy and build a system that works. Together we can achieve this Government’s ambition to make homes warmer and drive down bills for one million more homes by 2020 – and to do so at the best value for money for taxpayers.”

The Government has commissioned an independent review led by Peter Bonfield to look at standards, consumer protection and enforcement of energy efficiency schemes and ensure that the system properly supports and protects consumers.

Current Government policies including the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme will continue to provide support this year to low-income and vulnerable households, reflecting the fact that ECO delivered 97% of home improvements in the last two years.

DECC also announced it will work in partnership with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to improve the UK’s existing housing stock. The longer-term future of the Energy Company Obligation scheme will be part of these discussions around a new, better-integrated policy.