The private rented properties sector won’t meet new energy efficiency targets unless the government stumps up more cash for any replacement to the Green Homes Grant, it has been claimed.

Latest English Housing Survey figures show that the average cost to bring private rented properties up to EPC C is £7,646 compared to £5,979 for a social rented property, or £8,579 for owner occupiers.

The Green Homes Grant scheme provided householders and landlords with support for the cost of installing energy efficient improvements in their home. However, the government only funded up to two-thirds of the cost of home improvements up to £5,000 under the scheme, which closed in March.

Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s policy and campaigns manager, believes a long-term, costed and well-funded plan is desperately needed to encourage households and landlords to make energy efficiency improvements.

He says the survey also clearly highlights how the Green Homes Grant scheme wasn’t offering enough support based on the proposals to improve properties to EPC Band C.

“Any revised or reintroduced scheme must be increased from £5,000 to £10,000 maximum,” says Douglas (pictured).

“Similarly, it is vital that the UK government move away from a one-size fits all policy and develop energy efficiency proposals that work with the different age, condition, size and location of properties across the country. This way, grants and funding support can be targeted on the architype of a property rather than its tenure.”

In December, LandlordZONE reported that the scheme hadn’t managed to recruit enough accredited tradespeople to undertake the work.

Landlords who applied for vouchers have now been told they might not be able to get work done on time; they can request an extension until 31st July and vouchers will be extended for 90 days or until 31st October, however some builders are warning they won’t be able to do the work before this deadline.

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