The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has called for a long-term ambitious government programme to improve the energy efficiency of the country’s existing housing to tackle crippling fuel bills.

As British Gas and other energy companies announce large fuel price rises, CIH calls for government action to reduce the carbon footprint of existing housing stock, much of which has poor energy efficiency ratings, in order to reduce energy consumption and cut consumers’ bills.

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive, said: “Making our homes more energy efficient and lessening their impact on the environment is not only crucial to help the UK meet its target for reducing carbon emissions by a minimum of 60% by the year 2050, but also to protect some of the most vulnerable households in the country, who are already struggling to pay their energy bills.

“While fuel tax credits will be an important lifeline for vulnerable households, they are going to be an increasingly expensive short term stop-gap that simply won’t address the key issue – the amount of energy we use. We urge government to create a green homes target for our existing housing stock and launch a long-term programme, similar in approach to the successful Decent Homes initiative. The prospect of spending more and more money on subsidising fuel bills is not the answer. It is not sustainable however you look at it – not only will it eat in to precious public funds, but it will do little to dampen our demand and consumption of energy or cut carbon emissions.

“By working together to retrofit existing housing we have the possibility to make a real difference, to help people pay their bills as well as leave an even bigger legacy for the nation.”