The UK government is set to introduce a new scheme this month which will see thousands of homeowners in England become eligible to apply for £5,000 home improvement grants.
According to a statement published today via the gov.uk website, the new scheme will see the government fund up to two-thirds of the cost of home improvements of over 600,000 homes, and also support over 100,000 jobs in green construction.
Further details of the range of measures included and how consumers in England will be able to claim the new vouchers – which are worth up to £5,000 for homeowners – are being set out by government ministers today, and households on low income will also be eligible to receive vouchers covering 100% of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of £10,000.
1/ We’re funding £2bn of Green Home Grants helping to unlock work for thousands of plumbers, builders and tradespeople.
Homeowners will receive vouchers to pay for at least two-thirds of green improvements such as loft, wall and floor insulation. #PlanForJobspic.twitter.com/LMktNyBnAn
Later this month, homeowners across England will be able to access advice and support on improving the energy efficiency of their homes from the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) service, and the SEA will then suggest appropriate home improvements that homeowners may be able to apply for support in funding.
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The Green Homes Grant will give homeowners – including owner occupiers and social/private landlords – vouchers to install one or more of the following:
Solid Wall, Under-Floor, Cavity Wall, or Roof Insulation
Air Source, or Ground Source Heat Pump
Solar Thermal
Additionally, households can use their voucher for further energy saving measures, and these include one or more of the following:
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Double or Triple Glazing/Secondary Glazing (when replacing single glazing)
Upgrading to Energy Efficient Doors
Hot Water Tank/Appliance Tank Thermostats/Heating Controls
Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, Mike Thornton, said: “The Green Homes Grant is a significant investment by the government in energy efficiency which will provide long term benefits to householders and the environment by cutting fuel bills and reducing carbon emissions.
“It will particularly help low-income households access much-needed funds to make their homes warmer [and] I would really encourage homeowners to apply for the scheme.”
Tradespeople are also being urged by the government to register their participation for the scheme today.
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Calling all tradespeople! 📣👷🏽
Our new £2bn Green Homes Grant will part fund improvements of over 600,000 homes, supporting over 100,000 jobs in green construction.
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) August 4, 2020
In order to be eligible to take part in the scheme, tradespeople must register for TrustMark or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditations, which will then cover the above green home improvement measures that are said to potentially help families save up to £600 a year on their energy bills.
Speaking on the launch of the scheme, Business and Energy Secretary, Alok Sharma, said: “Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople [and] Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak added: “The Green Homes Grant is a vital part of our plan for jobs as we secure the UK’s economic recovery from coronavirus [and] this is going to be a green recovery with concern for our environment at its heart.”
“It will help to protect and create jobs, while also saving people money and cutting carbon.”
For further information on applying for the Green Homes Grant, visit the gov.uk website here.
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester – Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured Image – Robert Cuts (via Flickr)
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Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
The Manc -
4th August 2020 
