Green Deal to provide incentives for businesses

The Government should ensure the Green Deal provides incentives for businesses too or the scheme could falter. 

That is the view of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) who represents more than 100,000 businesses in Great Britain, in response to the launch of the £125m cash back offer (which only applies to domestic properties) on Monday. 

The BCC’s comment follows the Government’s announcement of a cash back initiative as part of the Green Deal, where domestic property owners and tenants can get more than £1,000 worth of money back, dependent upon what energy efficient measures they get installed.

“The Green Deal has a long way to go to fulfil its potential, not least for businesses, the majority of whom are unaware that they are eligible for it. The Government should look to ensure that there are adequate incentives for businesses to take part, otherwise the Green Deal could be a false dawn.” commented Dr Adam Marshall, the Director of Policy and External Affairs.

 Audrey Gallacher, from the Consumer Group said: “Improving your heating and stopping your home leaking heat can make a big difference to both your energy bills and your carbon footprint. It’s very welcome to see the Government providing cash incentives to those who take up the Green Deal scheme early. It’s also welcome that people don’t have to take out Green Deal finance to qualify.

“But the Government needs to provide incentives to all customers, not just early-adopters, to ensure wide-spread take-up in the long-term. This could mean moves such as council tax breaks or similar benefits for taking up energy efficiency measures.”

 The cash back initiative is worth £125 million, but the rates announced on Monday are currently available for the first £40 million only. There have been other suggestions from various parties on how the remaining funds could be spent, including one from an MP who suggests using it to cover the upfront fees for Green Deal assessments.