Green economy shunned in Budget

Midlands energy expert Ron Fox has expressed his disappointment that the Chancellor helped the shale gas industry but shunned the green economy in last week’s Budget.

George Osborne said he wanted to create jobs and that was why he was introducing a generous new tax regime to boost investment in shale gas or ‘fracking.’

He also announced that some of the most energy intensive industries would be exempt from the Climate Change Levy – a measure designed to force industries to use power more frugally – to alleviate the pressure on businesses with high fuel costs.

But Ron, who set up green energy company Noreus in Stafford, said: “This is unfair on struggling households, especially when everyone from the regulator Ofgem to the energy secretary says fracking won’t bring down our bills.”

He pointed out also that reliance on gas for future energy would make it impossible for the UK to hit targets on climate change and would almost certainly lead to higher energy bills for householders later this year.

Ron was supported by Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party, who said: “What the Chancellor should have done is to announce a serious programme of investment in the successful green economy.”

Green MP Caroline Lucas pointed out the disparity between George Osborne’s new plan to offer nil-increase loans to help home-buyers, which would not necessarily lead to new jobs, whereas people using the Green Deal to insulate their homes would have to borrow at about 7 per cent – and that could lead to new jobs.

Greenpeace executive director John Sauven added: “This was a 20th century budget for a 21st century economy. We got tax breaks for polluters and almost complete disinterest in the green economy, one of the only sectors that has consistently delivered jobs and growth in recent years.”

However, Ron said there were two small pieces of good news in the Budget for the green industry.

He applauded the Chancellor’s support for the next stage of two new projects to capture and the carbon dioxide from power stations which will help the Government to meet its carbon targets.

Also George Osborne announced that the Cabinet would come forward with a plan for zero-carbon homes in May, although Ron pointed out that insulating existing housing stock should be a top priority.

Ron urged residents to act now over cutting their energy costs before waiting for the higher bills to arrive.

As up to 60 per cent of heat lost in a home is through the roof and the walls he says the first home improvement should be to spray foam the attic with the environmentally-friendly Icynene Insulation System.

It forms an air-tight seal and reduces heating bills by up to 50 per cent as it literally stops heat going up through the roof, saving up to £600 a year every year.  

Another option was to take up his offer of a free thermal imaging camera survey which shows where the energy is lost from a building.

For more energy saving ideas or to book a free thermal imaging camera survey call Ray on 01782 756995.