last updated 20th January 06
by 4 ecotips.com

Improvement body calls for Government incentives

According to the National Home Improvement Council a disturbingly high percentage of private sector homes are still well below the energy efficiency levels that are necessary to help meet the Government's CO2 emissions reduction by 2010. On the other hand, the social housing sector is making good progress.

NHIC director, Graham Ponting, says: "Global warming is the biggest threat to mankind and we should all be pulling our weight to make sure it is brought under control. Throughout 2006 the NHIC aims to further increase its pressure on government and other decision makers to ensure that measures are taken to enable homeowners and tenants to become more energy efficient.

"For example, we estimate that around 17.5 million homes, that is about two thirds of the UK housing stock, do not have adequate loft insulation. If this area alone was improved it could reduce CO2 emissions by around 7.5million tonnes a year.

Ponting also points out that there are millions of homes with "totally inefficient heating systems" that need updating and bringing into line with modern standards such as the changes to Part L of the Building Regulations which some into effect in April.

"There are at least 7 million homes that are still classified non-decent in England, Scotland and Wales and these to be tackled as a priority," say Graham Ponting. "So we shall be further urging the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reduce or even totally eliminate VAT on all home improvements. Also we shall be seeking to encourage the introduction of incentives either through special grants or tax breaks to motivate householders.

"We are firmly of the opinion that the longer 17.5% VAT remains on home improvements the more it contradicts the government's own targets for improving the housing stock and making it more efficient."

The NHIC's VAT Action Group, which includes representatives from all sectors of the home improvement industry, continues to move forward with its comments and recommendations.

More information from www.nhic.co.uk.