RIBA calls for greener homes
RIBA has called on the government to make homes more energy efficient by bringing forward a national retrofit strategy.
In a new report, Greener Homes – Decarbonising The Housing Stock, it recommends the introduction of a sliding scale of Stamp Duty, capped at £25,000, with the most energy efficient homes accruing significantly less tax than the least energy efficient.
The report also suggests a tax rebate for a period after purchase, to encourage homeowners to undertake their own energy efficiency improvements such as insulating lofts and walls, draughtproofing doors, windows and floors, fitting double or triple glazing, and choosing smarter heating systems and appliances.
The UK has some of the most inefficient housing in Europe and RIBA has produced a short video explaining the need to improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock.
In addition to Stamp Duty amendments, the RIBA recommends:
* A commitment to front-load money that the government is committed to spending on energy efficiency over the next decade, so that it is spent over the course of this Parliament, in order to address a shift in balance of emissions and assist with the coronavirus economic recovery.
* Better targeting of existing income support payments including the Warm Homes Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment towards the most fuel poor.
* A clear long-term timeline for increasing the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for both the private and social rented sectors.
* Stronger standards for new homes.
* More information and regulation of the quality of building work carried out by tradespeople making energy efficiency improvements.
Read the full Greener Homes report.
