Boroughs seek £115m to retrofit energy inefficient buildings

London boroughs have identified 375 shovel-ready projects presenting a £1.35 billion pipeline of ‘green recovery’ activity – including the retrofitting of 18 large-scale public buildings, 29 schools, and thousands of homes across the capital.

The boroughs are calling on the government to ‘seize the day’ and increase funding for councils to retrofit energy inefficient buildings. Local authorities in the capital are already funding more than £950 million of the costs but need an additional £115 million in 2020/21 to make progress on the full list of retrofitting projects.  

In its submission to the government’s upcoming spending review, the cross-party umbrella group London Councils argues that urgent investment in green infrastructure and retrofitting will secure immense environmental and economic benefits.

Investment in energy efficiency and low-carbon heating is essential if the UK is to meet its target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. London currently has among the highest fuel poverty rates in England, with more than one in ten households in the capital classed as ‘fuel poor’.

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney and chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “Investment in a green recovery is essential for securing our environmental and economic future. We’ve identified shovel-ready projects and are eager to do our bit – but councils urgently need more support from the government.

“The investment case is a no-brainer. Funding retrofitting projects brings immediate benefits to Londoners such as new jobs and lower fuel bills while also addressing the climate emergency and helping us reduce carbon emissions. London boroughs are fully committed to the green recovery agenda and are putting significant resources into retrofitting. But in the face of both the economic and the climate crisis, ministers should seize the day and use the upcoming spending review to boost funding for this crucial work.”