Milton Keynes Lib Dems Oppose Government Restrictions on Energy Saving Grants

Liberal Democrats on Milton Keynes Council have joined with 70 fellow Liberal Democrat MPs, Peers and Council Group Leaders to write to the Government to oppose changes to the "Energy Company Obligation" - the rules by which energy companies have to offer grants to householders to install energy efficiency measures.

The proposed rules would bar private renters and social landlords from the scheme completely, so that many of our least energy efficient homes could not access the scheme. They would be dependent on government schemes - but government schemes usually have far less funding available.

The proposals would also insist on two different measures to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate uplift of two bands. This means, potentially, that two different contractors could be involved - and, because of the detail they propose, if one contractor does not complete the job, the other may not get paid. This could potentially leave the householder with a big bill.

Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, Cllr Jenni Ferrans, says: "These changes would cut out some of our worst performing homes from any prospect of improvement, and would increase the risk for households already suffering financially from high bills."

"This goes against the recommendations of the Committee on Fuel Poverty and fails our residents. I'm glad to say that we have signed the letter and joined the protest. If you want to join us, please write to your MP!"