An update on my Green Homes Grant odyssey...

**WARNING** contains many hoops...

1/16

Knowing the scheme was coming I used the government website links and started my research in September.

I reckoned solar hot water was the best next step to reduce my carbon footprint.

2/16
I have basic double-glazing that needs upgrading before a new heating system but double glazing was out of scope unless you have single glazing.

I'm adding even more insulation to my loft at my own cost.

3/16
So, anyway, researching 'local' providers for solar water heating installation that are on the website list as allowed to do it under GHG: Three potentials.

First didn't respond and suspect was the wrong contact information was on the website.

4/16
Second couldn't do a quote without a visit and the next time they could would be weeks and weeks after the scheme was meant to open for applications.

5/16
Third took a load of information, including pictures and gave a quote that seemed really good. Around £5k total. I used this and submitted an application 30th September.

6/16
Then.... nothing.

10th November finally get a message saying vouchers should be out soon but many applications are short on detail. If you think that is you, get more detail (doesn't say what).

7/16
18th November - another email. Yay! Scheme extended so work doesn't have to be done by end March 2021. This email lists stuff they want in a quote. I go back to my patient chosen supplier and they provide a very detailed quote that meets the list. Send that in.

8/16
In between I've had a lovely conversation with the installing engineer about what to expect and what they will do. Feel confident it will be a good thing.

9/16
3rd December email. We will be doing an installation inspection. We will contact you within 5 days.

OK.

10/16
24th December email. We will be doing an installation inspection. We will contact you in 5 days.

Oooooookaaaaayyyy.....

11/16
6th January. A text from the inspector. No reference codes, just asking if 11th January works.

12/16
7th January - email. Booked for 11th January. Inspector will show ID.

13/16
11th January, inspector comes. No ID. It is his first ever of these. He isn't sure what to do. He asks no questions. He takes some pictures and puts them in an app. The same pictures I sent for my quote in September. He leaves.

14/16
I've no idea what happens next. No information on what was needed from the inspection. Can't understand why I couldn't supply those images and avoided the cost to taxpayer and risk involved with someone coming into my home.

15/16
Anyone had a smoother experience? Or even had their voucher and the work done?

16/16

More from Government

This article by Jim Spellar for @LabourList misses the point about why Labour needs to think seriously about constitutional reform - and have a programme for it ready for government.


The state of our constitution is a bit like the state of the neglected electric wiring in an old house. If you are moving into the house, sorting it out is a bit tedious. Couldn’t you spend the time and money on a new sound system?

But if you ignore the wiring, you’ll find that you can’t safely install the new sound system. And your house may well catch fire.

Any programme for social democratic government requires a state with capacity, and a state that has clear mechanisms of accountability, for all the big and all the small decisions that in takes, in which people have confidence.

That is not a description of the modern UK state.

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