Demand for Green Deal from elderly property owners stifled by fear of financial risk
Elderly people are being put off using the Green Deal by fear of taking on debt, despite an acknowledgement that they are struggling to heat their homes, government research has revealed.
The research also found older people were put off the Green Deal鈥檚 sister scheme, the Energy Company Obligation, because it is too complicated.
The results of the research, conducted with focus groups in March 2013 was revealed in response to a to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
The government鈥檚 summary of the findings said: 鈥淭hey [older people] are concerned about taking on a debt/further financial commitment like a Green Deal in the current financial climate.鈥�
黑洞社区鈥檚 Green for Growth campaign has called on the government to introduce greater incentives to take-up the Green Deal, in part, to overcome barriers of complexity.
The government鈥檚 research also found older people trusted local authorities and voluntary organisations advice and information on energy efficiency schemes.
DECC also detailed the findings of focus groups conducted in January 2012 that uncovered broad support among consumers for a pay-as-you save model like the Green Deal.
But the government鈥檚 summary said: 鈥淭here was less enthusiasm in the private rented sector, where tenants were reluctant to participate in a pay-as-you-save mechanism to improve the energy efficiency of their landlord鈥檚 property.鈥�
The research found high standards, involvement of local businesses and good communications were high priorities for consumers.
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