London’s New Repair Voucher Scheme: A Step Toward a Circular Economy

News

April 7, 2025

Zoe - Team Repair

Last week, on the 1st April 2025, North London launched its first trial of repair vouchers, offering up to 50% off the cost of repairing household electrical items. This scheme is available to residents of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest, until September 2025.

The initiative, funded by the North London Waste Authority’s Community Fund, seeks to overcome barriers that discourage people from choosing repairs over replacements. Its goal is to promote a circular economy, reduce e-waste, and encourage sustainable consumption. The voucher will apply to a wide range of household electrical items, from smartphones and laptops to vacuum cleaners and coffee makers.

What can I get repaired?

As listed on: London Recycles | Repair Week

Covered: Household electrical items

Smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, monitor, headphones, pc accessory, printer/scanner, paper shredder, digital compact camera, dslr/video camera, television, games console, gaming-related accessories, hair & beauty item, handheld entertainment device, projector, audio equipment, portable radio, musical instrument, kettle, lamp, fan, power tool, sewing machine, toaster, toy, vacuum, watch/clock, coffee maker, food processor, hair dryer, iron, microwaves.

Not covered: White goods, non-electrical items

Fridges or washing machines.

Austria's Success Story: A Model for the UK

Repair Vouchers have already proven to be extremely effective in addressing barriers that cause people to choose to replace rather than repair. In Austria, the Repair Bonus programme, launched in 2022, has been successful in reducing e-waste and stimulating local repair businesses. Data revealed that 40% of participants would not have chosen to repair their items without the voucher. Furthermore, 80% of repair businesses reported an increase in the number of repairs during the trial, with many customers returning for repairs even after the vouchers expired.

Austria has also expanded its voucher programme to cover other items, such as bicycles, furniture, and even clothes. This could prove valuable in the UK, where similar schemes could make an even bigger impact.

A Step Toward a National Scheme in the UK

‍The launch of the North London repair voucher trial is a huge milestone for the UK, where there has been no national repair voucher programme until now. According to polling by The Restart Project, 79% of the UK public supports the idea of a government-backed repair voucher scheme. The success of the North London trial could pave the way for similar initiatives in other regions and, ultimately, a nationwide scheme.

With backing from organisations like ReLondon and London Councils, the North London trial is a critical step in advocating for repair vouchers across the UK. If the scheme proves successful, it could serve as a model for a nationwide policy that encourages repairs, reduces e-waste, and stimulates local economies.

Moving towards a more repairable future?

As we move towards a greener future, repair vouchers represent a sustainable government initiative aimed at encouraging more people to repair their items rather than contributing to waste by replacing them. However, it is equally important to ensure that the next generation is confident in their own repair skills.

This is the mission of Team Repair: to foster children's interest in STEM, develop their repair abilities, and promote sustainable thinking by teaching them how to fix broken electronic devices. Each kit encourages curiosity and builds confidence as children disassemble real gadgets and learn the art of repair.