Slashing energy efficiency grant for traditional housing ‘very disappointing’
The CLA today (5 December) responded to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement saying it was disappointed the Community Emissions Reduction Obligation (CERO) grant for traditional houses has been cut.
The Association said cutting the grant – part of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) – will mean many traditional properties will now fail to reach the required minimum energy performance level by 2018.
CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The insulation product required for traditional solid walled properties tends to be made from natural fibres which are significantly more expensive than the products currently funded through the Green Deal and ECO. Now that ECO funding has been slashed, the correct insulation will be less affordable than ever.”
The CLA President welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to extend the doubling of Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) to April 2015 and to boost support for small businesses by introducing a £1,000 discount against business rates bills for retail premises.
Mr Robinson said: “These two measures will go a long way to helping small businesses survive in what are still very tough economic times.
“However, we are anxious that rural businesses will be able to reap the rewards of these changes as much as their counterparts in towns and cities.”
The Association also welcomed the freeze in fuel duty for the remainder of this Parliament.
Mr Robinson said: “A fuel duty freeze will be of great benefit to those in rural communities who have to rely on their cars as public transport is limited.”
