The important message about the government’s Green Deal initiative is not getting through to the people that matter, according to DIY Doctor’ the UK’s largest independent DIY advice site.
It suggests that it is possible Green Deal’s ‘effectiveness’ has been overestimated and that many householders and tenants have not heard of it or how it works to provide an energy efficient home paid for through energy bills?
DIY Doctor asked its users to complete a survey to find out what they knew about the Green Deal. Only 32.5% had heard of it and 86.7% did not know what it meant. And yet, 81.7% said ‘they would like to find out more’!
The company’s director, Mike Edwards, says: “Most people we surveyed thought Green Deal would be something that cost them lots of money for little benefit. Many even thought it would end up being a stealth tax – or not apply to them at all?
“When you consider our survey was carried out among an important section of the population that already has an interest in improving its homes, it confirms that the Government’s message is not being received by the general public.”
DIY Doctor says that the scheme is ‘voluntary’ and will be carried out in conjunction with the property user’s energy company who becomes the Green Deal Provider.
When calculating the work to be carried out, the Green Deal Provider must ensure that it complies with the ‘Golden Rule’, which means the repayments will be less than the predicted savings generated by the work!
The work will be underwritten by an agreed contractor for the entire period of the loan and the loan will be attached to the property rather than to the occupier.
Green Deal is seen as an important way forward enabling people to afford to make energy saving improvements to their homes, which they may not otherwise be able to finance directly.
DIY Doctor points out that there will be, however, practical issues concerning what work will qualify for the initiative, what property purchasers will feel about taking on a Green Deal loan initiated by a previous homeowner and which contractors will be eligible to carry out the work.
DIY Doctor’s special web pages entitled ‘Green Deal Facts and Information’ answers some of the more commonly asked and outlines the process.
More information: http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/green-deal-information.htm
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