The government has relaxed the requirement for Green Homes Grant installers to be registered or certified to overcome the challenges homeowners were facing finding an installer.

The changes mean that subcontractors are no longer required to be TrustMark registered and PAS or MCS certified. However, any subcontracted work must still be carried out in accordance with the relevant PAS or MCS requirements with regards to subcontracting.

The changes came into effect on Monday 4th January and apply to vouchers issued from this date onwards until further notice.

Hundreds of thousands of property owners are currently able to apply for vouchers of up to £5,000 for energy-saving home improvements, with the poorest getting up to £10,000, as part of plans unveiled by the government in July 2020.

The £2bn Green Homes Grant aims to boost the economy and help households become more energy efficient, with more than 600,000 homes eligible for the grant.

“We welcome the news of these changes,” said Meera Chindooroy, deputy director of campaigns at the National Residential Landlords Association.