Shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint has pledged her support for UNISON’s campaign for warmer homes.
“By investing in energy efficiency, we can cut bills for consumers and reduce our carbon footprint,” Ms Flint told the union’s energy branches seminar in Chester last weekend.
“Britain has some of the least energy efficient households in Europe. Energy bills are lower in Sweden than in the UK.”
UNISON national officer Matt Lay told the 120 delegates: “We need to lead the energy agenda and we are in a key position to achieve this.
“Our report, Warm Homes into the future, provides clear, achievable policies that address the UK’s energy challenges and will create new jobs in a time of uncertainty.”
UNISON’s report was presented to energy secretary Ed Davey in June. The campaign also has the backing of the GMB, Unite and other unions.
It proposes a national programme of energy efficiency measures to bring every UK domestic home in line with the Energy Performance Certificate at Band C over 15 years.
“There are concerns in the energy industry about job losses, we are importing energy from overseas and this energy is being wasted,” added Mr Lay.
“This programme will require new skills, create new jobs and reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions.
“The work could be funded from existing resources. It would be a major new infrastructure programme that would benefit virtually every home in the country.”
