Green budget won't create greener homes warns FMB

'Green Budget' will fail unless it tackles the problem of the existing building stock which contributes 47% of the UK's total carbon emissions, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Richard Diment, Director-General of the FMB said: "A cut in VAT from 17.5% to 5% is the only real sustainable answer if the Government is serious about cutting carbon emissions".

"What we have seen today is a lack of clear political leadership to hit the problem head on".

"We need more than derisory incentives which won't go far enough".

"The GBP26 million announced today for the Green Homes Service is but a drop in the ocean".

"What is needed is a VAT cut which will benefit all households, not the selected few, to make their homes greener and energy efficient".

Diment continued: "The Chancellor says he wants to confront climate changes but the reality is that he has failed in his first test to deliver".

"As a result we all be losers and the 4.5 million families who are living in fuel poverty will have little to thank the Chancellor for in today's Budget".

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