Labour pledges to green five million homes

Labour will unveil proposals to improve the energy efficiency of at least five million homes over the next decade this week, as part of plans aimed at restoring the flagging retrofit market.

Shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint is expected to outline the proposals when she addresses the Labour Party conference in Manchester tomorrow.

But speaking over the weekend, Flint said the plans would include a commitment to upgrade the insulation of at least five million homes over the next ten years as well a new interest-free loan for home improvements that improve energy efficiency.

Flint said this commitment stood in contrast to the government’s Green Deal, which carries market interest rates on repayments.

Labour will also commit to making energy efficiency a national infrastructure priority if it wins at the next general election.

Last week the Commons energy committee slammed the Green Deal as “failing”.

Flint said: “Our plans will mean cheaper bills and warmer homes for millions.”

John Alker, director of policy at UK Green Building Council, said Labour’s decision to class energy efficiency as a national infrastructure priority was “spot on”.

He added: “The UK is currently in the midst of an energy bill crisis and improving our draughty and leaky homes is the only way to permanently tackle this.

“We expect them to emphasise mandating minimum standards in the private rented sector and a commitment to low cost finance for households. However, there is a big question mark as to whether low cost loans on their own are enough to drive action.

“A cross party committee of MPs identified the need for stronger incentives through the tax system, only last week.”