Responding to a speech by Caroline Flint at Labour's recent Party Conference, in which she pledged that Labour would overhaul the Government's Green Deal initiative if they come into power, NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers) says that no rash decisions should be made.
Even though only 12 Green Deal plans have gone live, the latest DECC statistics show that 71,210 assessments were carried out up to the end of August and 194,751 measures installed under ECO, which works in partnership with the Green Deal, up to the end of July. In addition, according to the latest DECC public attitudes survey, 56 per cent of those who had an assessment went on to have an installation as a result.

NAPIT says that the success or failure of the scheme should not be judged on actual plans, as Green Deal finance is not the only way to improve the energy efficiency of homes via the Green Deal.

NAPIT supports proposals to amend the scheme, such as the FMB (Federation of Master Builders) suggestion of a VAT reduction, in order to boost consumer interest. NAPIT also suggests improving the financials of Green Deal, such as stamp duty (exclusion or reduction) and lower interest rates.

However, it says that a complete overhaul of the system would result in huge investment being wasted before Green Deal is given a real chance to have an impact.

NAPIT's director of standards, David Cowburn, said: 'It would be a mistake to completely overhaul the scheme at this relatively early stage, especially in favour of other untried and untrusted alternatives. We would like to see additional steps taken to increase attractiveness and consumer interest as a starting point.'

He continued: 'There are positive signs in DECC attitudes surveys and in the amount of Green Deal Assessments that have already taken place. We fully support any positive steps that can be taken by the industry and the Government to increase interest from homeowners. With a little more time and more incentives introduced, we are hopeful the Green Deal can deliver.'

NAPIT offers training and membership across five different markets; electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and renewables, including Green Deal Installer and Green Deal Assessor Certification.

For more information visit http://www.napit.org.uk/defaultHome.asp