MIMA comments on a bitter, sweet Budget 2018 for energy efficiency
Sarah Kostense-Winterton, Executive Director at MIMA comments:
"This is an encouraging shift towards energy efficiency and its benefits with a clear commitment on business energy efficiency with the establishment of an Industrial Energy Transformation Fund & also a new Business Energy Efficiency Scheme for smaller businesses"
"However the Chancellor has stealthily dodged the biggest issue - domestic energy efficiency and the investment need to meet his own Government's Clean Growth strategy goal - to bring all homes up to an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C by 2035 - through a pragmatic programme of improving energy efficiency as an infrastructure priority."
"Such an investment commitment would have ensured the Chancellor significant returns for the Treasury coffers (and unblocking significant private investment) as well meet England’s fuel poverty target for 2030 and meeting the 5th Carbon Budget at least cost along the way."
"Most importantly he’s missing - or ensuring his colleague the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock misses - the huge benefits for the health and wellbeing of UK citizens and our homes and buildings across the UK. The impact of cold homes costs the NHS £1.3bn per year in England alone and reduces the health impacts of poor housing, estimated to cost the NHS £2.5bn per year."
"Let’s hope The Chancellor and HM Treasury continue this focus on energy efficiency but put the spotlight on homes across the UK"
