Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the decision not to extend the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme on (a) jobs and (b) businesses in the heating industry.

The Non-Domestic RHI has provided support for over 20,000 renewable heating installations, creating green jobs, and helping to develop the GB renewable heating industry.

The breadth and cost of an extension to the Non-Domestic RHI means that to provide good value for money for the taxpayer, we are applying a targeted approach in continuing support for the Non-Domestic low carbon heating industry.

The Green Gas Support Scheme, due to launch Autumn 2021, is expected to help treble the level of green gas in the grid by 2030, creating further green jobs, particularly in rural areas. Sustained support for the industry will be provided through the new allocation of Tariff Guarantees, incentivising the more cost-effective Non-Domestic projects.

We have also been keen to avoid potential job losses and damage to the industry that might result from delays due to Covid-19. Recently announcing an extension of 6 months for eligible NDRHI projects, that may struggle to meet the 31^st March 2021 application deadline.

Additionally, the soon to be launched Green Homes Grant Scheme which will fund up to two thirds of the cost of home improvements for over 600,000 homes, supporting over 80,000 jobs in green construction.

For more information on these proposals please see the below links:

GOV.UK page for information on the Green Homes Grant Scheme

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/green-homes-grant-scheme-register-as-a-certified-tradesperson-or-business;

Consultation and Impact Assessment on Future Support for Low Carbon Heat

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/future-support-for-low-carbon-heat;

Consultation and Impact Assessment NDRHI: Ensuring a Sustainable Scheme

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/non-domestic-renewable-heat-incentive-ensuring-a-sustainable-scheme;

Announcements and Impact Assessment relating to further changes to RHI support and Covid-19 response

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-renewable-heat-incentive-rhi-schemes.