The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has announced a new system to help homebuyers get ‘green grants’ to lower their fuel bills and make their homes greener.

Most people are unaware that there are typical grants of £100-300 for cut-price loft and cavity insulation. The programme is expanding next year so more homebuyers can benefit. It is linked in with Home Information Packs (HIPs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

According to the Energy Saving Trust, measures recommended in EPCs could save the average consumer £300 a year off their fuel bill. EPCs, giving home-buyers a home energy rating, will make it easier for consumers to get grants to make the improvements recommended in the certificates. The certificates will give consumers energy ratings for homes of A-G, similar to fridge ratings.

Six ‘major’ energy companies have agreed that when buyers move into their home and sign up to an energy contract they will get immediate access and information about ‘green grants’.

Yvette Cooper, housing minister, said: “Energy certificates have the potential to cut family fuel bills by hundreds of pounds. But it can still be a real hassle getting the work done. Most people don’t know these grants are available or don’t know how to apply for them. This means it should be much easier for homebuyers to get help to cut their fuel bills and carbon emissions too.”