One third 'to act on green tips'

A third of householders have indicated they intend to carry out renovations to their homes as a response to the recommendations contained in the government's home information packs (Hips), a survey has found.

Research by environmental group Friends of the Earth (FotE), a supporter of the scheme which caused controversy when it was phased-in last year, said that this work would, however, be more likely to be actually carried out if the government provided some financial incentives to do so.

It suggested a range of measures that it believes should be introduced in the budget next week, which will include council tax cuts for those installing energy efficient measures, lower VAT for high-quality refurbishments, plus upfront grants to encourage the installation of renewables and stamp duty rebates for those who do so.

FotE green homes campaigner Dave Timms said: "With over a quarter of UK carbon emissions coming from our homes, Mr Darling must make it cheaper and easier for us all to go green."

Research by the Department for Communities and Local Government has found that 81 per cent of householders understood what the Energy Performance Certificate documents in the Hips meant.


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