Energy prices are going through the roof, people up and down the country are struggling with rising bills, and action is needed to combat climate change. Improving the energy efficiency of our homes has the potential to tackle all three problems in one go, and to create jobs at the same time.

The Green Deal is designed to make the most of this win-win situation It offers homeowners, landlords and tenants the chance to have energy saving measures installed at no up-front cost. Repayments are then made through household energy bills. Safeguards in the scheme have been put in place such that the value of energy savings should usually be expected to more than cover the monthly repayments.

The cost of the measures is met by Green Deal Providers who will also arrange for the work to be done by accredited installers. And to ensure the right things are installed, all Green Deals have to be based on an assessment by a qualified adviser.

Read more in DECC's Green Deal "quick guides".