Still inadequate?
The Energy Bill finished its passage through the House of Commons last week, sparking concerns that it is not fit for purpose.
According to ‘Demand a Better Bill’ the Bill will not ensure that the Green Deal is taken up by consumers.
Demand a Better Bill is an action group supported by a number of organisations – including: FMB, WWF, Christian Aid and Marks & Spencer – designed to lobby ministers adapt the Energy Bill so that it has a good chance of achieving its aims.
“At present, the Bill will fail to deliver emission reductions under the Green Deal unless further incentives are put in place,” Demand for a Better Bill said in a release. “Improving energy efficiency is a win-win for everyone in terms of lower home fuel bills and carbon emissions but the Government have not yet done enough to ensure the Green Deal is affordable and attractive to encourage uptake. There are now serious doubts about what the Green Deal will actually deliver unless further incentives are put in place. The Government needs to think big and make this a truly transformational scheme.
“To build confidence in the Green Deal among business there must be clarity on what the Green Deal aims to achieve and the Government needs to produce a plan for delivering this. Interest rates must be kept low, and the Government must introduce a suite of financial incentives such as stamp duty and council tax rebates, as well as reduced VAT on the Green Deal. Without ensuring the Green Deal is attractive, and made affordable, it will not deliver lower homes fuel bills and carbon emissions.”
The Bill will now be passed back to the Lords.
