Building Back Britain report calls for £23bn to decarbonise in 'retrofit revolution'

In it's latest report, the Building Back Britain Commission has found that energy efficiency measures are financially unviable for 2.3 million households in England and calls on the Government to commit £2.3 billion a year for the next decade on raising their energy efficiency standards.

According to the Building Back Britain Commission, the radical action would help to reduce the energy bills for some of the poorest households and kickstart a “retrofit revolution”.

The research identifies 2.3 million homes across England which are valued under £162,000, have an EPC rating below C and are located in ‘levelling up’ areas.

Terrie Alafat CBE, Chair, The Riverside Group and Chair of the Building Back Britain Commission, said:

“Government needs to get serious about tackling the cost of living crisis with radical action to improve the energy efficiency of millions of our homes. That’s why the Building Back Britain Commission is calling on Government to commit to funding a retrofit revolution, alongside further action to ensure the highest possible standards in our future homes. Without this, Government will always be fighting a losing battle on both net zero and energy bills. But by working with industry and following the steps that we suggest, it could yet have a win-win.

“In the long-term, taking decisive action now to make our homes more energy efficient will enable the UK to make much-needed strides forwards on the path towards net zero. In the short-term, it will also mean lower fuel bills for millions of people who are suffering as a result of the energy crisis and urgently need help with the cost of living.”

The Commission is an independent group consisting of organisations in the housing sector including Barratt Developments, Legal & General, Mace, Thakeham, NHBC and Riverside Group.