CIH in home renovation call

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has called on the government to invest heavily in a major programme of improving home energy efficiency.

It made the plea after news emerged of fresh price hikes by energy companies, making it more important for consumers to be able to save on heating bills through better insulation.

CIH chief executive Sarah Webb argued that the answer to the high cost of fuel was not to give out more fuel credits to those on low incomes, commenting: "We urge [the] government to create a green homes target for our existing housing stock and launch a long-term programme, similar in approach to the successful Decent Homes initiative."

Those wanting to ensure their homes are energy efficient with or without help can seek to carry out their own renovation work to improve insulation and install energy-efficient measures.

Figures from the Energy Savings Trust state that by fitting the recommended 270 mm of loft insulation, householders could save £110 a year on their energy bills.