We didn’t really think the Conservatives would win an outright majority at the recent election. But contrary to what every single poll ever published predicted, we got it, whether you like it or not. And with another spending review coming up soon, the Tories and Mr Osbourne will be looking at current expenditure and will identify areas where they can cut spending. Green Deal will be on their radar.
Failed policy
It’s well known that the whole Green Deal scheme was championed by the Lib Dem half of the last coalition government. But it was a scheme doomed from the start.
The Government’s own research body said that the scheme in it’s current form would fail if it was made live. The Government chose to ignore their own findings and pressed ahead anyway, with what was a very sloppy, unorganised and chaotic start. As expected, the initial take was terrible.
Beforehand, the GGF lobbied the Government hard to make sure windows were included within the mesures covered by the Green Deal. Although it probably wished it had not bothered in the end as you can count the number of window installation under the Green Deal on your hands. It’s been a complete waste of time from a window perspective.
Green Deal Cash incentives
In a bid to revive the ailing scheme, an incentive scheme was launched designed to give homeowners a certain amount of cash back comparable to the size of the works involved. The realities were the incentive wasn’t big enough when compared to the effort required to go ahead with any work.
To be fair, the number for the scheme did pick up during the middle stint. But recently, they have dropped off massively. The problems were many and massive. Way too many steps to complete for all parties involved. Poor communication of the scheme from the start. Loans attached to the property adding a hurdle when it comes to selling it. Incentives too late and not good enough. No advantage from a window industry perspective. The list could go on.
Likely to go
If you ask me, the Green Deal is going to be on the scrapped list when the Government announces it’s spending review. It’s brought no tangible benefit since it’s been live and has probably cost way more than any return it’s brought in.
But does it need to be replaced by another scheme? I’d say no. The existing traditional purchasing methods remain the easiest and best, and ones customers are used to. I’d say if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
We can also count out any chance of windows being treated to the same 5% VAT rate as other home improvement measures. Lowering VAT isn’t their thing.
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