‘Avoidable tragedy’: Dismay as home insulation grant scheme scrapped

Energy UK chief executive says axing the programme ‘before it got off the ground will undermine trust’, reports Zoe Tidman

Frozen out: the government has said the Green Homes Grant scheme will end within days (Getty/iStock)

The government’s decision to scrap its flagship scheme to insulate homes has been met with dismay, with environmentalists calling it a “tragedy” and a step “in the wrong direction” in tackling the climate crisis.

The Green Homes Grant voucher scheme, which provides funding for energy efficient home improvements, will now close for applications within days, after the deadline was brought forward by a year.

The programme was seen as a key component of the government’s climate strategy after it was announced last year.