The government’s plans to build a series of new eco-towns has been criticised by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which has argued that it is taking the “easy option” rather than concentrating on making existing homes more energy-efficient.
Brian Berry, the FMB’s director of external affairs, said the government should be “putting more incentives to people to encourage householders to upgrade their homes and make them greener and more energy-efficient.”
Cuts in VAT on energy-efficient repairs, plus lower council tax and stamp duty on greener homes were among the incentives that could be adopted.
Such moves could impact on the prices of such homes, making them more valuable but also cheaper to live in.
The comments come on the same day that the government has issued a new policy announcement about the setting up of a one-stop shop which is intended to help householders live greener lives, including through better home energy efficiency.
Environment secretary Hilary Benn said the new Green Homes Service would provide a one-stop shop to give information on everything from advice on waste reduction to where to apply for grants from energy companies.
<img alt=”ADNFCR-844-ID-18360753-ADNFCR” src=”http://feeds.directnews.co.uk/feedtrack/logo.gif?feedid=844&itemid=18360753″ />
© Adfero Ltd
Loading ...