CAMPAIGNERS and MPs have accused ministers of “going in the wrong direction” on the climate crisis after a £1.5 billion flagship scheme to insulate homes was scrapped six months after its launch.

The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy announced at the weekend that the green homes grant voucher scheme launched last July will close on Wednesday.

The scheme, previously due to run until March next year, was a key part of the government’s climate strategy. It offered households grants of up to £5-10,000 for those on low incomes – to pay for insulation or low-carbon heating.