The Builders' Merchants Federation (BMF) claims the appetite shown by the public and the trade to take advantage of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) suggests the coalition government was right to mount a major publicity campaign.

Figures released on 22 July show that vouchers worth over £43 million were issued in the first six weeks of the fund’s existence.

The figures are:

  • 12,200 applications made and 7,925 vouchers issued
  • if redeemed in full, vouchers are worth £43,508,100 in total
  • 1,060 authorised firms completed the registration process.

Commenting on the figures and the news of the Department of Energy & Climate Change's (DECC) modifications to prolong available money, BMF policy & public affairs manager Brett Amphlett said: "We are cheered by the enthusiasm shown by the public to take advantage of the incentives. Although he has decided to leave the government, it proves that former minister, Greg Barker MP, was right to heed BMF advice on the need for major publicity campaign to explain the scheme.

“From the very beginning of the Green Deal, the BMF repeatedly told Whitehall it was necessary for government to incentivise voters to act, and to spend taxpayers’ money on publicity campaigns to raise awareness. And we were repeatedly told there was no money available.”

The BMF says it is happy to help the DECC publicise the fund because it is in merchants’ interests to collaborate with trade customers for mutual benefit - they have the potential to make the Green Deal a success when talking to residents.

Merchants wishing to learn more about the scheme, eligibility criteria, qualifying improvements and how to claim a voucher can find information at www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures