MCA Decarbonisation Grants — frequently asked questions
Which UK MCAs run decarbonisation grants open to FE colleges?
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, North East Combined Authority, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, and the GLA (London). Tees Valley and East Midlands have more limited grant routes.
How do MCA grants combine with Salix and PSDS?
Typically stack on top. A common structure: MCA grant covers 30-50% of capital cost; Salix Decarbonisation Loan covers the rest; net corporation capital cost effectively zero. Some MCA pots also pair with PSDS Phase 4 awards on bundled bids.
What is the typical MCA grant value?
Varies by MCA and round. Single-project grants typically £25,000-£250,000. Larger combined-authority programmes can run £500,000+. Smaller pots target specific use cases (public-sector building decarbonisation, green skills capital, just-transition cluster funding).
Do MCA grants have specific eligibility criteria beyond geographic?
Yes — each MCA pot has its own eligibility criteria. Common requirements: institution must be inside the MCA boundary; project must deliver verifiable carbon savings; learner-impact narrative must demonstrate skills or curriculum outcomes; corporation board commitment must be evidenced.
How long do MCA application rounds typically take?
Faster than central government programmes. Typical 6-10 weeks from application to award decision. Some MCAs operate quarterly rolling rounds with 4-6 week turnaround.
Can a multi-region group corporation apply across multiple MCAs?
Yes. NCG (Newcastle College Group) operates across 5+ MCAs and has stacked devolved funding alongside Salix and PSDS across its campus portfolio. Each campus applies to its local MCA in parallel.
What about Welsh Government funding for Welsh colleges?
Welsh Government Energy Service for Colleges provides feasibility funding, technical support, and grant access for Welsh FE colleges. Separate from English MCA structure but functions similarly as devolved regional support.
What about Scottish FE colleges?
Scottish FE colleges access Scottish Government PSEEL (Public Sector Energy Efficiency Loan — Scottish Salix equivalent) plus SFC Climate Emergency Fund + Scottish Government Net Zero Public Sector Capital + relevant City Region Deal decarbonisation pots.
What about Northern Ireland?
NI FE colleges access DfE NI Sustainability and Decarbonisation Capital + NI Executive Energy Strategy capital + DAERA Climate Programme. NI funding routes differ from GB MCA structure.
How do we identify current MCA grant opportunities?
We track active MCA decarbonisation pots across all major MCAs and can confirm current eligibility for any specific campus on request. MCA grant rounds open and close frequently — annual scoping is recommended.