Finance Minister announces the closure of 'green' rate schemes

11 February 2011

Savings from Green Rate Rebates to be transferred to Green New Deal

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, today announced the closure of two ‘green’ rate rebate schemes, with the savings to be redirected to the Green New Deal.

The schemes, the energy efficiency and the low carbon homes schemes, will close on 31 March 2011.

Mr Wilson said: “As part of the budget there is a commitment to engage in the Green New Deal, with funds set aside for this purpose. I examined whether savings from ‘green’ rate rebate schemes could be used to supplement the Executive’s funding of that programme and as a result the Executive has agreed to the closure of the energy efficiency and low carbon homes schemes.”

The energy efficiency homes scheme provides a one-off rebate where loft or cavity wall insulation is installed and there is a full rebate from rates (for up to two or five years) for those qualifying for the low carbon homes scheme.

The Minister reassured those who had already successfully applied for these schemes that they would not lose out. He continued: “I will ensure that those who would benefit from the rebates beyond the end of the current rating year will still do so.

“Looking ahead, the money saved by this decision will be re-directed towards funding of the Green New Deal, as and when savings are realised.”