A climate change expert has spoken to MM about the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn budget, which was released earlier today, calling for more money to be committed into energy efficiency.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that funding into energy efficiency will be doubled with a further £6bn between 2025 and 2028.
Louise Marix Evans – a climate change and sustainability consultant and trustee for climate charity Ashden – said she would have preferred to see a larger investment.
She said: “I’d have liked to have seen a bigger amount committed over a decade to develop a strong offer to households and create a sustainable supply chain to retrofit homes to high energy efficient standards.
“I’d like to see local authorities strongly included as local partners in ensuring high standards and neighbourhood schemes.
“The training and jobs can’t be pulled through on the basis of a promise of similar amounts of funding over just three years.
“I am glad to see something in the statement but want to see this on the same footing as a serious infrastructure scheme as we saw in bringing running water to all homes in the past.”
The government’s energy efficiency initiative is set to insulate homes and upgrade boilers.
The Chancellor also announced that despite economic pressures, the government remains “fully committed” to COP26, including a 68% reduction in UK emissions by 2030.
He also announced that the government will stick to its plan of spending £55bn to help households and businesses with their energy bills this winter.
He said: “From April, we will continue the Energy Price Guarantee for a further 12 months at a higher level of £3000 per year for the average household.
“With prices forecast to remain elevated through next year, this will still mean an average of £500 support for every household.”
Hunt also promised more help for the most vulnerable – with £900 going to households on means-tested benefits, £300 to pensioner households, and £150 to individuals on disability benefits.
The Chancellor has also announced the government’s plan for new funding to improve the nation’s energy efficiency.
A new target has been set by Hunt, which aims to reduce energy consumption from buildings and industries by 15% by 2030.
Before the Chancellor made his announcement earlier today, Evans said that it was “too late to mend the roof while the sun shines.”
She said: “The government has wasted 10 years of opportunity.
“A decade ago 2.3 million energy efficiency measures were being installed every year, supported by government schemes by working with local authorities.
“In 2021 that figure was just 100,000.”
Evans also called for long-term support for those who are now struggling with their energy bills.
