The government has promised funding of £1.3bn to deliver up to 45,000 homes as part of a plan to boost the “green economy”.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government claims that the investment will create up to 85,000 new jobs.

More than 300 so-called “shovel-ready” projects in England will receive £900m between them from the “Getting Building Fund” announced by the government in June to deliver build homes and infrastructure.

A further £360m will go towards building 26,000 homes on brownfield sites.

At the same time, following warnings about the need for consumer protection, ministers have stated that tradespeople involved in delivering improvements through the £2bn Green Homes Grant scheme must register for TrustMark accreditation.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick says: “As we get Britain building we are also laying the foundations for a green economic recovery by investing in vital infrastructure for local communities, creating jobs and building environmentally-friendly homes with a huge £1.3bn investment announced today.

“This government is determined to level up all parts of the country and this funding will not only give a much needed boost to our economic recovery, it will help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs.”

Business and energy secretary Alok Sharma says:

“Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople.

“Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.”