Lib Dems call for better home insulation

Published on Wed 9th Jan 2008

Hereward Cooke

Norwich Liberal Democrat leader Hereward Cooke highlights the growing problem of fuel poverty and the need for higher levels of insulation in homes.

Dear Sir,

The proposed 15% increase in domestic fuel bills is a sign of dangerous times ahead. Shortage of natural resources, gas and oil, across the world will continue to impact on the price we pay to heat our homes. Given also that utility companies are faster to put up prices than to bring them down, we are in for a possibly painful future, brought about by more money buying less heat. .

One consequence of this situation will be to put a greater emphasis on energy poverty at home and the need for higher levels of insulation.

Council properties in Norwich are relatively well off with the Decent Homes Programme being implemented, although even here the Government`s description of a decent home does not include the need for double-glazing all round....a glaring omission.

But it is the private rented sector that causes me as a City Councillor the most anxiety. Studies have shown that there are thousands of properties in Norwich let out to tenants that have inadequate insulation and energy saving measures.

The private rented sector is increasingly controlled by a licensing system and as a Liberal Democrat I would argue that landlords should be under statutory pressure to spend money in order to make their tenants more comfortable and less likely to suffer from fuel poverty. It cannot just be left to the free market to find a solution.

I can well imagine some elderly people saving on their fuel bills by turning down the temperature. If the roofs and windows were properly sealed they could spend the same amount of fuel money more effectively. Action needs to be taken now before tenants become even colder.

Councillor Hereward Cooke

Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Norwich City Hall