The new prime minister must prioritise retrofitting existing homes, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB)’ chief executive has said, arguing that more energy-efficient buildings are needed to combat the growing energy crisis. Liz Truss was elected leader of the UK Conservative Party earlier today.
Brian Berry, the FMB’s chief executive, said: “The UK is fronting an unprecedented energy crisis with over 12m households facing fuel poverty. This dire and unsustainable situation requires immediate commitment to a long-term national retrofit plan to insulate our 29m homes, cut energy consumption and reduce bills.”
He continued: “A national retrofit plan needs to be treated as an urgent infrastructure priority because of the benefits it can bring to both consumers and business. To succeed, it must prioritise consumer information on what can be done to make existing homes better insulated, provide a range of financial incentives such as a VAT cut to help householders start retrofitting, and commit to work with the building industry to ensure there is a supply of competent, local installers to do the work.
“Liz Truss has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform our existing homes, to help ensure everyone has a place they can afford to heat. A national retrofit strategy also offers the opportunity to create thousands of new jobs and deliver growth in every village, town and city.
“The energy crisis needs a green revolution. But this requires bold leadership. I’m looking to Liz Truss to deliver.”
