GIVE US WARMER HOMES BEFORE ROAD AND RAIL SPEND, SAYS UK PUBLIC

THE Energy Bill will be considered in the House of Commons on Wednesday.  I’ve tabled an amendment that would set targets to eradicate fuel poverty, while the Government are seeking to use the Bill to remove its statutory obligation to eradicate fuel poverty.

This is a shameful move by David Cameron, which has been aided and abetted by the Lib Dem Energy Minister, Ed Davey, not least because excessive winter deaths increased by 29 per cent last winter.

The Prime Minister would do well to listen to the British public because people say making homes more energy efficient is a greater infrastructure priority than building HS2, new roads, airports or power stations.

In a poll published yesterday, 85 per cent of adults rank free energy efficiency measures, which could save an average family around £500 every year, in their top three infrastructure priorities.

In fact, 57 per cent of people believe it should be the UK’s number one priority, ahead of building new roads (15 per cent), new power stations (15 per cent), HS2 (3 per cent) or new airports (2 per cent). 
It is an even greater priority for younger people, with energy efficiency for homes coming first for around 70 per cent of 16 to 24 year olds.

In addition, 63 per cent of people say that, of the infrastructure projects, it would have the biggest benefit for them personally, with the number rising to over 70 per cent for those with children and around three quarters of those aged 35 to 44.  The findings were released amid growing concern that the Chancellor will slash investment in energy efficiency in his Autumn Statement next week.

The poll was conducted by TNS for the Energy Bill Revolution, the world’s biggest fuel poverty alliance representing over 150 British businesses, charities, energy companies and unions.  The alliance has warned the Chancellor that reducing annual funding for energy efficiency is a dangerously short-term approach that will prevent thousands of people from escaping fuel poverty.

Ed Matthew, director of the Energy Bill Revolution, said: “The Government has over £100 billion in infrastructure projects planned but not one single penny is set aside to insulate homes. All parties need to listen. What people want more than anything is warm homes.  This must be the UK’s number one infrastructure priority.

Meanwhile, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Energy-efficiency improvements, unlike major road or rail projects, are not at the mercy of our lengthy planning process before they can get started.

“The positive impact on jobs and growth is immediate because energy efficient improvements to our homes can be done right away.  If the Chancellor prioritises this type of capital investment, he will bring about significant economic gains, providing additional work for the UK’s small local builders, who are the backbone of the construction industry.”

With the Energy Bill debate on Wednesday and the Autumn Statement on Thursday, next week will be significant in determining whether the Govt will give any priority to addressing this massive investment requirement.