Seven cities across England will benefit from a £12m fund to kick-start the implementation of the Green Deal.
After putting forward proposals to lower their carbon emissions, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield will receive a share of government funding to support the establishment of test elements of the energy bill reduction scheme.
This funding will allow the testing of the Green Deal’s assessment and installation procedures, providing feedback for the Department of Energy and Climate Change while raising awareness of the scheme throughout the application areas.
Initial indications suggest that the cities expect to deliver around 2,500 retrofits to households and non-domestic properties with the funding.
Each city has stated that it will generate match funding or provide direct financial support in conjunction with their stake of the £12m.
Edward Davey, energy secretary, said: ‘These cities have really ambitious plans to lower their emissions, reduce energy use and help people save money on their bills. This funding will help them get up and running, and I look forward to seeing a number of properties across whole communities get the energy efficient improvements they need.’
