NHIC PRESIDENT, NICK RAYNSFORD, SAYS NEED FOR IMPROVING HOME EFFICIENCY IS “MORE ACUTE THAN EVER BEFORE”

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The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford, MP, president of the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC), says: “ It is vital for the UK to come up with a satisfactory mechanism to tackle the serious lack of energy efficiency especially in our existing private sector housing stock. With rising fuel prices and our commitment to meeting the challenge of global warming, resolving these issues is more acute now than ever before!
 
“The question is how do we persuade homeowners to change their ways and to bring their properties into line with the new standards of efficiency which are so essential to keeping down running costs and saving the environment?”   
 
He was speaking at a special NHIC House of Commons luncheon on 16th June 2008 sponsored by the Electrical Contractors’ Association and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.
 
Mr Raynsford pointed out that millions of UK homes were amongst the oldest and also the most inefficient in Europe. This was particularly the case in the private sector.
 
“It is significant that we have an ageing population living in 20% of our existing private sector homes who are asset rich but cash poor and don’t have the means to carry out the necessary improvements. We must find ways to make an impact on this situation.       
 
He accepted that there were equity release schemes but they were not “sufficiently attractive or convincing” to have a significant enough impact on people to take the appropriate decisions.
 
“We are heading towards very serious consequences for our living standards and our planet if our houses are not made more efficient. The National Home Improvement Council and its members have a big role to play in helping find ways to resolve these issues and by putting together the appropriate mechanisms for success.”
 
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Note for Editors: an email image of Mr Raynsford speaking to the House of Commons lunch is available.


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More information:
Roman Russocki, NHIC   Tel: 020 7448 3853
Andrew Leech  Tel: 01753 884216

Date: 17.06.08