Several policy changes this summer affect what Kent homeowners will pay for heating and energy upgrades, from a bigger heat pump grant to a countdown on tax relief. Here is a plain-English roundup, with links to the sources.
Heat pump grant rises to £9,000 for off-grid homes
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant for an air source or ground source heat pump has increased from £7,500 to £9,000 for homes currently running on oil or LPG that are off the mains gas grid. The uplift applies from late July 2026 and is set to run to 31 March 2027. It is aimed at rural and older properties, of which Kent has many, that face the highest heating bills. The change is set out by Infinity Energy.
Zero VAT on energy-saving upgrades has a firm end date
The 0% VAT rate on installing energy-saving materials, including heat pumps, insulation and solar panels, is currently due to end on 31 March 2027, after which the standard 20% rate returns. For anyone weighing up insulation or a heat pump, that deadline is a real saving worth planning around rather than leaving open-ended. The position is explained by Cucumber Eco.
New homes will have to include solar from 2027
Under the Future Homes Standard, new homes in England will have to be built with on-site renewable generation, in practice solar panels, and without fossil-fuel heating, with the rules coming into force from 24 March 2027 after a transition period. It does not change existing houses, but it sets the direction of travel for major renovations and extensions too. The government confirmed the standard in a written statement to Parliament.
