The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2009

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (England) Regulations 2005.

Regulation 3(2) increases the “relevant income” threshold which applies to applicants applying for a grant on the basis of their eligibility for a child tax credit or a working tax credit.

Regulation 3(3) increases the grant maxima which is available to eligible applicants under regulation 4(1)(a) – (e) of the principal Regulations but not for those applicants who are only eligible under regulation 4(1)(f) of those Regulations. Regulation 3(3) also makes the higher grant maxima available for one or more of the purposes listed in regulation 5(1)(m) of the principal Regulations. Therefore, where a works application is to install oil fired central heating or for one or more of the purposes listed in regulation 5(1)(m) the grant maximum is £6,000. For other types of application, except where an applicant is only eligible under regulation 4(1)(f) of the principal Regulations, the grant maximum is £3,500.

Regulation 4 makes transitional arrangements. Regulation 4(1) makes provision for an application which, though made under regulation 4(1)(e) of the principal Regulations before 1st August 2009, has not been considered by that date. By virtue of regulation 4(1) the administering agency may consider such an application as if it had been made on or after 1st August 2009.

Regulation 4(2) applies the higher grant maxima to applications which are made under the principal Regulations before 1st August 2009 and which satisfy either of the two conditions in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).

The transitional arrangement in regulation 4(2) will prevent an applicant who has made an application before 1st August 2009, and satisfies either of the conditions in sub-paragraph (a) or (b), from having to withdraw the application and making a new application in order to benefit from the higher grant maxima.