The Prime Minister is right to tackle head on the rising costs of energy bills for businesses and homeowners alike however reduction in demand is also needed long term to secure our country's energy future, said the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief

Executive of the FMB said: "While direct government intervention to help struggling homeowners and businesses with energy bills is needed as we head into winter, it is ultimately a sticking plaster. Long-term, we must improve the energy efficiency of the UK's leaky homes to reduce their energy use. A nationwide retrofit plan to make our existing 29 million homes greener and more energy efficient would help deliver the UK’s energy security; create a pipeline of work for local builders; help develop vocational training routes; and crucially slash energy bills."