The figures also show that the total number of Green Deal plans in the system at the end of August hit 677, up from 419 at the end of July, an increase of 61%.

Showing a pick up in interest, the Government figures recorded a total, at the end of August, of 71,210 Green Deal assessments carried out compared to 58,124 at the end of July, a 22% increase.

Commenting on the statistics, Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “It is still early days for the new Green Deal market but encouragingly over 71,000 Green Deal assessments have now been completed”.

The UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) has welcomed the latest statistics but renewed its call for additional financial incentives such as variable Stamp Duty and Council Tax to drive further uptake in the Green Deal.

UK-GBC director of policy and communications, John Alker, said: “Green Deal numbers are edging in the right direction but the scheme still needs a shot in the arm. If ever there was a time for Treasury to bring forward tax incentives to encourage energy efficiency, it is now.

“With winter approaching, and people beginning to switch on their heating, this is the ideal opportunity to help households protect themselves against rising fuel bills.”

Earlier this week, the Government published research that suggested Green Deal assessments are proving ‘useful’ and are helping people make their homes more energy efficient.

Speaking today on the research, conducted between April 1 and June 30 2013, Barker said: “There is clearly growing consumer interest but crucially, assessments are also inspiring action – new research this week shows that 81% of households who had a Green Deal assessment said they have, are getting, or intend to install at least one energy saving measure”.

In addition, almost 174,000 homes have now had Green Deal measures installed with the help of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).

“As more companies join the market ahead of the winter, the Green Deal and ECO are increasingly providing consumers with a new range of choices and opportunities to keep their homes warm, cut energy waste and importantly help hard working families with the cost of living,” added Barker.

Leigh Stringer

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