David Cameron's pledge that a Conservative government would kick start £20 billion of investment to makes homes greener and more energy efficient, in a green partnership with Marks & Spencer and Tesco, is a welcome boost to help transform Britain's existing housing stock as well as creating much needed work in the building sector, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB, said: "If the UK is to have any hope of meeting its legal obligation to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 then it is imperative that Britain’s existing homes are made more energy efficient as currently they contribute 27 per cent of the UK's total carbon emissions.

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"The Conservative proposal to enable householders the opportunity to get £6,500 worth of energy efficiency measures is certainly a welcome boost. However, if we are to create the step change that is needed to transform our homes then a more realistic figure would be in the order of £15,000. A cut in VAT for property refurbishment or a council tax rebate would offer the best help to householders because without a range of financial incentives most householders will be reluctant to incur the costs and hassle of upgrading their homes."

The FMB also believes making the existing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) easier to understand would help, as would ensuring they are available at the time of sale.

(CD/KMcA)