The End Fuel Poverty Coalition welcomes the government’s moves today to improve energy efficiency of people’s homes. We hope this is the first in a series of announcements that will help end fuel poverty in line with our submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review.
The increase in Energy Performance Certificates to level C for those in private rented accommodation is especially welcome. The next step will be to ensure local authorities enforce these new regulations.
Homeowners in England, including landlords, can get up to £5,000 to pay part of the cost of energy saving measures like insulation. Low income households can get 100% of the costs of work covered up to £10,000.
The scheme will help fund energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures in 600,000 households who could save up to £600 a year on energy bills. Installing energy efficient home improvements also cuts emissions, which is better for the environment. Tradespeople and businesses should make sure they’re eligible to carry out work under the scheme, which will support thousands of green jobs.
More information is available online: https://greenhomesgrant.
One in three British households are already concerned about the health impacts of living in a cold home this winter. And should a second wave of Covid-19 hit during cold weather, the impact could be catastrophic for individuals and our health services.
As a result, the Coalition has urged the Government to commit to five main spending priorities:
1) Rapid roll-out of large-scale energy efficiency programmes
2) Urgent delivery of government promises on tackling fuel poverty
3) This unprecedented level of investment needs to be coupled with large scale training programmes
4) Immediate steps to improve energy standards in the private rented sector
5) Fuel Poverty Debt Relief to ensure fewer people will have to choose between heating and eating this winter