The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has stated the Government is refusing to address a "major source" of carbon emissions.

In response to the recent Budget announcement, the FMB has called on the Government to make existing homes a 'national infrastructure investment priority'.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "The construction industry is at a loss as to why the Government is ignoring the need to improve our current housing stock.

"By refusing to acknowledge the importance of these improvements, the Government is exacerbating problems such as high household fuel bills, carbon emissions and the national housing shortage."

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The Government has put in place a target to reduce the UK's carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.

Mr Berry stated that our existing homes account for 27% of current emissions, and that if the Government does not address this issue, the target will not be met.

He added: "Climate change is an issue that concerns the majority of the population, but without tackling the energy inefficiency of our housing stock, the Government is not taking cutting carbon emissions seriously.

"This is rather surprising when you consider that not long ago; the Prime Minister wanted his Conservative-led Coalition to be the “greenest Government ever."

Mr Berry suggested by improving energy efficiency in homes, the Government will reduce fuel bills and 'put more money back in the pocket of the consumer'.

He said: "Making our existing homes a national infrastructure priority, re-directing carbon taxes, putting an energy efficiency financing framework in place and reducing VAT on housing renovation and repair work from 20% to 5% are all effective and implementable measures.

"We urge the Government to wise up on energy efficiency – we want to work with Ministers to find a sustainable solution."

(LM/CD)