The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) says that more small, local builders want to get involved in the Green Deal but find the application and accreditation process overly complicated, while many householders are unaware of the potential benefits of the scheme due to a lack of positive publicity.
According to a recent survey by the FMB, just 27% of small to medium-sized construction companies are planning to get involved in the Green Deal.

Chief executive of the FMB, Brian Berry, said: 'Trusted local trades are ready and willing to help homeowners fit energy-saving measures such as double-glazing and insulation. However, many have expressed frustration that it is not easy for smaller firms to get involved in Green Deal work, and that there hasn't been a marketing campaign to explain to householders what the Green Deal is all about.'

'People want to use their local builder to have energy-efficient improvement work carried out, because they know them and have used them before. But the scheme has been designed so large numbers of small firms are excluded because of the significant costs involved in offering Green Deal finance directly to homeowners. Instead local firms will have to find a large finance provider to work with, rather than getting started on work which would boost the economy and help home-owners save money on their fuel bills,' he added.

Mr Berry said that FMB welcomes the launch of the scheme but without additional support, training and publicity, it may not take off.

He concluded: 'The FMB is committed to helping builders become certified Green Deal installers and we offer advice and pathways to training and certification to ensure people can use a builder they know and trust to future-proof their homes.'