Efficiency measures should replace fuel payments
Scrapping pensioners’ winter fuel allowances could pay for long-lasting energy-efficiency improvements to their homes, according to the Audit Commission.
In a report on tackling domestic carbon emissions, the commission suggests the government review spending on winter fuel payments. It also urges councils to lead by example on reducing carbon footprints.
The report, Lofty Ambitions – the role of councils in reducing domestic CO2 emissions, says although councils have been addressing climate change for years, ‘progress has been patchy’.
It also brands the government’s £2.7 billion a year winter fuel payments a missed opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions. It says payments fail to focus on those in greatest need, as only 12 per cent of recipients are in fuel poverty.
Michael O’Higgins, chair of the Audit Commission, said: ‘A one-off improvement in energy efficiency would cut household bills, giving householders lasting independence. Good for the planet and for their pockets.
‘Surely this would be much better than pensioners needing continual government support to keep draughty houses warm every winter.’
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Readers' comments (3)
worried well | 22/10/2009 8:46 am
This is actually a good idea. Unfortunately the Audit Commission, faced with oblivion is trying to get into the news more and carry out more activity to try and justify its continued existence. It is a pity it doesn't practice the same thinking when it comes to inspection. Instead it does more and more of the scoring and league tabling on public bodies despite lots of evidence that it actually harms learning and improvement. So well done Audit Commission and let's see how good you are at getting rid of all of the things that damage us so much like targets, arbitrary standards, key lines of enquiries and so on.
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B.S. Townroe | 22/10/2009 9:51 am
Clearly, the Tories support for this is not entirely on a policy basis but the basis for cuts - will they invest £2.7bn p.a. into improving private housing? I doubt it! But, as for the Audit Commission, perhaps they are fighting for their future - but they should do more than repeat what a European-based WHO report said two years ago: http://www.euro.who.int/Housing/support/20080402_1.
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Jim Paton | 23/10/2009 1:09 am
I live in a flat in a block which is 73 years old and of single-skin construction, so there is very little which can be done to further improve thermal insulation. So no "one-off improvement in energy efficiency and no winter fuel allowance either.
Another wheeze from those who're well-insulated (in more senses than one) and have no idea.
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