Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, recently viewed a new building system that it is hoped will result in the first carbon neutral homes being built in the Wirral.

Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) is piloting the new system, which is the culmination of seven years scientific research, precision engineering, structural design and testing. It is hoped to be both economic and quick to build by trained, semi-skilled labour.

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During the visit to Eco Mech Structurally Insulated Panels Ltd, Mr Duncan Smith met the HCA's Design and Standards Manager, Allan Foster. Allan said: "This exciting and innovative approach will boost the local economy by providing much needed jobs for local people as well as providing carbon neutral homes. We’ve worked closely with WPH around this green agenda to facilitate the development of the first Code Level 5 properties in the Wirral."

Mr Duncan Smith said: "I am very pleased to see Wirral Partnership Homes and Eco Mech working together on this excellent pilot project. This method provides a simple building system solution to an ever growing problem of the de-skilling of jobs within the construction industry and reflects how we need to change the way we build in the near future by retraining local labour in a new, innovative and green manner."

(CD)