Grants

1. How much funding is available under the low carbon buildings programme for householders? The total fund available to the household stream is now £12.7 million, up from £6.5 million due to a higher than expected demand. 
2. How long is the programme going to run for? The low carbon buildings programme is set to run until 2009, with the household stream set to run to June 2008.
3. Why is the funding being capped each month? The higher than anticipated demand since the scheme was launched has meant that the limited funds available to householders would have been exhausted by early 2007. Introducing a monthly cap enables the funds to last to June 2008.
4. How much funding is available each month? From 1 December 2006, householders will be able to apply for funding from a £0.5 million pot. This amount will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
5. Do I have to reapply if I am unsuccessful the first month I apply? Yes, if you are unsuccessful in a monthly round, you will need to reapply the next month. Funds are made available from the first day of every month.
6. What happens if I am applying via a paper application form? We encourage all applicants to apply online where they will get an instant decision on the success or otherwise of their application. The process for awarding grants via a paper application form will still take up to 15 working days. If, by the time a paper application form is processed, there is no money left in the monthly budget, the paper application will be returned to the applicant inviting them to re-apply next month. Paper applications will not be stock-piled or handled on a first come first served basis until the budget month.
7. I've heard that grant levels for the technologies may be reduced, is this true? DTI are in discussions with Industry on the implications of reducing grant levels for the different technologies. These discussions are ongoing.
8. What happens if I am unsuccessful one month, and by the next month the grant levels have reduced for my technology? Any grant offered will be capped at the grant level at the time off application. If an application is rejected and grant levels are subsequently revised then the new grant level will be offered. When discussions are complete, and a decision is made regarding grant levels, due notice will be provided on the website should there be any reduction.