Warm Homes Plan published

Commenting on the publication of the government’s Warm Homes Plan, Friends of the Earth’s head of policy, Mike Childs, said:

“For far too long millions of people have been unable to keep warm each winter because energy is so expensive and their homes are badly insulated.

“The Warm Homes Plan is a welcome step forward, with tougher standards for rental homes and £5 billion to help councils and social landlords install insulation and clean energy like solar panels.

“But without more investment it will fall far short of what’s needed to protect peoples’ health and end the scandal of families forced to live in cold, damp homes. At least £6 billion a year is needed — the level Labour committed to before taking office.

“The Chancellor must introduce stronger polluter pays taxes to reduce climate changing emissions, make our homes fit for the challenges of the 21st century and ensure that everyone can afford to stay warm in winter.”

Ends

Notes

1.    In February 2025 Friends of the Earth produced a report with Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s Institute of Health Equity on the health impacts of cold homes. The Marmot Report identified that:   
o    There are 9.6 million households in the UK that are on low-incomes and live in poorly insulated homes, of which around 25% are rental homes.
o    It would cost at least £6 billion a year over 10 years to pay for these homes to be upgraded to a decent standard of insulation (EPC C level).
o    Poor housing is costing society tens of billions each year through ill health, increased bills, lost economic productivity and carbon emissions. It is also harming social mobility through impacts on education.