26th November 2009 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Conservative Party's proposal to offer £6,500 to every single householder is a welcome step towards making all of Britain's homes greener and more energy efficient, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Responding to today's announcement by Grant Shapps MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB said:
"If the UK is to have any chance of meeting its legal obligation to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 then it is imperative that more is done to tackle our existing housing stock which currently contributes 27 per cent of the UK's total carbon emissions. Providing grants to householders is a great way to help kick-start the market to make our homes more energy efficient as well as creating much needed jobs in the construction sector. However, the challenge will be to ensure that the money is well spent."
Berry continued:
"The potential market to retrofit the UK's housing stock is worth between £3.5 and £6.5 billion every year. However, long pay back periods have meant that many householders have held back from carrying out major works to their homes. The possibility of grant offers a good way to help householders thinking of greening their home although the total cost is likely to exceed the £6,500 on offer."
Berry concluded:
"It would be helpful as the Conservative Party formulates its policies in the lead up to the general election if it could give consideration to cutting VAT on repair and maintenance work to make our homes greener as this would have the advantages of being simple to administer as well being on-going rather than a one pay payment which is what is currently being proposed."
