Coalition accused of 'sleepwalking into an energy crisis'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Coalition has been “sleepwalking into an energy crisis” and must adopt a £65bn plan to insulate Britain’s homes, Unison general secretary Dave Prentis has claimed.
Unison, which has 1.3 million mainly public sector members, will launch a report at its energy conference tomorrow that outlines the benefits of making every home in Britain reach a minimum energy efficiency standard over 15 years.
Nearly 7 million homes in England are currently rated in the lowest three bands of E,F and G for energy efficiency, but Unison claims that bill payers could save £300-600 a year if their dwellings were insulated to at least a C rating.
Unison argues the scheme would reduce winter related deaths. In the 2012-13 winter, 31,000 people died from the cold or related illnesses like influenza, up 29 per cent on the previous year.
Energy secretary Ed Davey will be handed the report tomorrow and Unison will also push the Labour Party to endorse a plan it claims is “revenue positive” despite the outlay, as 129,000 jobs would be created.
Mr Prentis said: “The sobering reality is that the UK is one of the worst equipped countries in the developed world to deal with increased energy prices. The country desperately needs an ambitious long-term approach to eradicating the scandal of fuel poverty and we cannot wait a moment longer to begin.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments