Government launches biggest upgrade of nation’s buildings in a generation

ADVERTISEMENT

Homes, schools and hospitals across England are set to be greener and cheaper to run thanks to a £3 billion plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings

Around 120,000 construction jobs are expected to be supported by the new government funding schemes launched today.

Homeowners can sign up for big savings on upgrades to their homes under the government’s £2 billion Green Homes Grant. And an additional £1 billion was announced to improve the energy efficiency of publicly owned buildings.

Many scaffolding businesses could see an influx of new enquiries as grants offered will cover green home improvements ranging from the insulation of walls, floors and roofs, to the installation of double or triple glazing.

The launch of the Green Homes Grant forms part of a wider plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings which also includes:

  • £1 billion to boost the energy efficiency of public buildings, including schools and hospitals through a Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund
  • new measures to ensure nearly 3 million privately rented homes are upgraded to modern energy efficiency standards by 2028
  • £50 million to improve the energy efficiency of social housing

Business and Energy Secretary Alok Sharma said: “Our plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings and help build back better is good news for jobs, the environment and people’s back pockets, as we reduce emissions and help cut energy bills.

“I urge everyone to visit the Green Home Grants website to see how they can make the most of this fantastic scheme.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “We promised to support jobs and protect the environment – and the Green Homes Grant delivers on this. We’re giving homeowners, landlords and local authorities the funding they need to hire local tradespeople and make our homes more energy-efficient. By supporting the green van men and women, we’ll save money, save jobs and save the planet.”

SM Newsdesk
SM Newsdeskhttps://www.scaffmag.com
The staff at ScaffMag.com the leading scaffolding site for a digital generation.

Most popular ↑

CISRS says CSCS notice was served to negotiate “from a stronger position”

NASC president Sarah Klieve says CISRS served CSCS notice to negotiate from a stronger position, as Build UK says the card rules don’t block other sectors.

86m Layher scaffold completed at Giotto’s Bell Tower

An 86-metre scaffold erected in just over four months will support a five-year restoration of the Florence landmark while keeping it open to visitors.

Queensland coroner calls for mandatory tower scaffold controls after fatal collapse

A Queensland coroner has called for mandatory additional controls on freestanding tower scaffolds in public places after finding that the industry’s accepted height-to-base rule of thumb was not enough to protect against strong winds.

Scaffold Innovations: GapClamp™

  Since the Work at Height Regulations 2005 came into...

Scottish scaffolding apprentices to compete at ScaffChamp 2026

A team of young scaffolders from Scotland and Northern...

Latest news

UK proposes duties of up to 82.89% on Chinese boom lifts

The UK Trade Remedies Authority proposes anti-dumping duties of up to 82.89% on boom lifts from China, subject to a final recommendation.
- Advertisement -
More from

Annual construction materials inflation rises to 6.4%

Materials prices rose again in August, while brick and block deliveries remained below year-earlier levels despite a monthly rebound.

UK construction downturn eases as new work falls faster

The UK construction PMI rose to 46.1 in September, but new work fell faster and subcontractor usage returned to decline.

STAR Housing seeks scaffolding suppliers for £600K framework lot

STAR Housing is seeking scaffolding suppliers for a Shropshire housing framework, with the dedicated access lot estimated at £606,625 including VAT.

Right-to-work rules extend liability through construction supply chains

Contractors face new responsibilities for labour supplied through subcontracting chains as expanded right-to-work rules come into force.
Latest articles