The Green Deal: Make or Break Time

In our previous blogs about the Green Deal, we have analysed the government's flagship energy efficiency scheme, why it is not working and what plans the government and the Green Deal Finance Company have to boost uptake and participation.

Only time will tell whether these alterations the Green Deal will work. However, now that the initial enthusiasm has been and gone, it will be an uphill struggle for all involved to convince trade and homeowners to buy into the scheme.

The effects of the Green Deal changes

After December’s Green Deal changes, it is estimated that around 400,000 houses will miss out on energy saving improvements by 2017 due to cuts to the scheme. Apart from failing to fulfil its objective in providing improvements for all substandard households, this change of course is also an indication that the scheme is floundering or that the government’s priorities are changing.

It is hard to tell whether the Green Deal has full backing or whether the measures are a way for the government to save face and not have to perform a U-turn. Although honourable in intention, the scheme has been poorly designed and executed and take-up is falling month on month. Is it time that the government swallowed its pride and cut its losses, so as not to cost taxpayers and businesses more money in a scheme that is doomed to failure?