Top Tories Try to Torpedo Green Deal

Leading Tories believe the £14 billion “Green Deal” must be ditched because it risks leaving key “squeezed middle” voters out of pocket by several thousands of pounds.  Under the Green Deal, millions of householders would be encouraged to install energy-saving home improvements such as loft insulation or cavity wall insulation, with no up-front charge.  The work would be funded with loans of up to £10,000 which would be paid back though a surcharge on household energy bills.  Many ministers have long been sceptical of the scheme.  However, their mood has hardened into outright opposition following revelations this week of a new stealth “conservatory tax” faced by householders, estimated at adding around 10 per cent to the total bill for improvements. Under the proposal, those who wanted to extend their homes – or undertake repairs – would be required to sign up to the Green Deal as a condition of gaining planning permission for the work.  The group of ministers, which includes Eric Pickles and Grant Shapps, want the Government to abandon not just the compulsory “tax” element of the scheme, but the entire Green Deal.  Read more on the Telegraph website.