Lynne Featherstone MP last week welcomed the Green Deal, the Coalition Government’s new initiative to transform Britain’s homes.

The Deal, which went live yesterday, gives people the opportunity to transform their homes and businesses by paying for energy efficient improvements – such as insulation and new heating systems – with the savings on their energy bills.

As part of the Green Deal programme, Haringey Council has received £275,000 from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to help improve energy efficiency in homes across the Borough.

Forty five different types of improvements will now be available under the Green Deal, helping people warm up their homes and pay for some or all of the improvements over time through their electricity bill.

Households in England and Wales who use the Green Deal to make energy saving home improvements will now also qualify for hundreds of pounds of cashback from the Green Deal Cashback Scheme. The more work households decide to have done, the more cash they could receive and packages could be worth over £1,000.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, said:

“Green Deal has the potential to help consumers afford energy against a backdrop of escalating fuel bills. Our surveys tell us that many people simply do not know how to make their homes more energy efficient. They also need assurance about the quality of any work done, and help with funding.

“Green Deal ensures that accredited professionals to do the work, backed by strong consumer protection. It also provides the financing, so will enable hard pressed consumers to go ahead with confidence, providing much needed protection against rising bills.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

“The UK green sector is a success story – it is the sixth largest in the world and has a crucial part to play in building a strong economy. The Green Deal will support thousands of jobs – not just over the next few years, but in the long-term.”

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, commented:

“Green Deal will help thousands of homes stay warm for less. Those people will benefit from energy saving improvements – and their energy bills will fall. I encourage all my constituents to look into their options and make the most of this great deal.

“The deal puts consumer in charge – and you can improve the look and feel of your home, make it cosier and at the same time save energy – what’s not to like?”