Deal us in on green scheme, say councils

Conservative Party proposals for a massive ‘Green Deal’ programme to help improve home energy efficiency was cautiously welcome by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), while a number of councils have pledged support to the scheme should the Tories form the next government.

Under the ‘Green Deal’ every household would have the right to have up to £6,500 worth of home energy efficiency improvements, the cost of the work to be paid back through the household’s energy bills – and through the savings created by a more energy efficient home.

Now, the Conservative Party has announced that 14 local authorities have agreed to pilot the deal in the event it wins the next election to form a government. This would make them a ‘vanguard’, kickstarting the energy efficiency programme in their areas, including taking a street-by-street approach to target those people most in need of cutting fuel bills and heating their home.

Among those leading the charge, Mayor of London Boris Johnson pledged the capital’s support, saying: “In London we are making a difference right now, and we will continue to be at the vanguard of carbon cutting programmes in the UK. We are already delivering a programme to help at least 200,000 homes get a free carbon makeover by 2012, cutting emissions from our public buildings, and working towards slashing London’s carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025.

“The Green Deal would add to this – another fantastic example of how we can best appeal to people to cut their emissions: not through doom and gloom, but through schemes that will benefit them and the environment.”

Greg Clark, shadow energy and climate change secretary said: “I am delighted that so many councils have already agreed to pilot our Green Deal. This will help millions of families to benefit from energy efficiency improvements to their homes – creating jobs and tackling fuel poverty in their areas. Energy efficiency is a triple win for the whole country. It saves money. It saves energy. And it saves our environment.”

Other councils that have signed up include Westminster City Council. Its leader, Councillor Colin Barrow, said: “We very much support this project which complements our established commitment to the environment. The Green Deal will cut residents’ bills, support the environment and create jobs.”
Councillor Peter Britfcliffe, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council added: “This is a great idea from the Conservatives. It shows that whilst others may talk, Conservatives are prepared to take practical initiatives to meet the challenge of climate change.”

North Tyneside’s elected mayor Linda Arkley said: “The Conservative administration at North Tyneside Council is pleased to take part in this pilot scheme which will help to reduce residents’ fuel bills during this difficult economic climate.”

Councillor David Parsons CBE, leader of Leicestershire County Council added: “My council has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent within three years, so I’m happy to support the Green Deal. Two of our actions include building greener schools and reducing energy consumption by dimming streetlights.”

The deal would be better if the value of the home improvements was higher, according to the FMB, though it has welcomed the initiative as a “welcome boost” to help transform the country’s housing stock and create “much needed work” in the building sector.

“The Conservative proposal to enable householders the opportunity to get £6,500 worth of energy efficiency measures is certainly a welcome boost,” said Brian Berry, FMB spokesman. “However, if we are to create the step change that is needed to transform our homes then a more realistic figure would be in the order of £15,000. A cut in VAT for property refurbishment or a Council Tax rebate would offer the best help to householders because without a range of financial incentives most householders will be reluctant to incur the costs and hassle of upgrading their homes.”