The Green Homes Grant was announced in July as part of a £3bn investment package to support tens of thousands of green jobs as well as upgrade buildings and reduce emissions.

It allows homeowners in England, including landlords, to apply for up to £5,000 to make properties more energy efficient such as by installing insulation, glazing and new boilers.

Low income households can get 100% of the costs of work covered up to £10,000.

The scheme was due to end by 31 March 2021 and while nearly 21,000 applications had been made in the three weeks after launch, many people complained about being unable to find a registered trader or installer.

As such, homeowners were worried they’d miss the deadline.

But today, Boris Johnson confirmed the scheme would be extended by a year as part of his ‘Ten-point plan’ for a ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ to create and support 250,000 jobs.

The vouchers will remain valid for three months from the date they are issued or until 31 March 2022, whichever is earlier, and need to be redeemed before the end date on each one. Homeowners can request an extension for circumstances outside of their control.

Minister for climate change, Lord Callanan, said:  “The Green Homes Grant scheme gives homeowners and landlords right across the country a cheaper way to make their homes more energy efficient and cut their bills – all while making their contribution to tackling climate change.

“Today’s announcement means an extra year to take advantage of this new scheme, helping households and tradespeople who can plan their workload and create new jobs in their communities. I would urge anyone to visit the Green Homes Grants website and see how they could benefit.”

One of the green measures also includes bringing forward the ban on sales of new diesel and petrol cars to 2030.