As fuel prices continue to rise, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has called for the Government to develop a long-term programme to combat rising fuel costs and the effect of expanding property carbon footprints on the environment. The report says too much existing housing stock has poor energy efficiency ratings, and this needs to change in order to reduce energy consumption and cut consumers’ bills.

Sarah Webb, CIH chief executive said: ‘Making our homes more energy efficient and lessening their impact on the environment is not only crucial to help the UK meet its target for reducing carbon emissions by a minimum of 60% by the year 2050, but also to protect some of the most vulnerable households in the country, who are already struggling to pay their energy bills.’

The CIH are calling for a green homes target for existing housing stock as prospect of spending more and more money on subsidising fuel bills is not the answer.

‘By working together to retrofit existing housing we have the possibility to make a real difference, to help people pay their bills as well as leave an even bigger legacy for the nation,’ added Ms Webb.