The Construction Products Association (CPA) has called for the Government to tackle fuel poverty by making energy efficiency a key part of the programme.
The CPA wrote to the Government's Fuel Poverty team in response to a consultation document from the DETR.

Commenting on the response, Allan Wilén, economics and special projects director said: "The Construction Products Association believes that improvements to the energy efficiency of the housing stock should be the focus of the Government's strategy as it is essential to providing a long-term successful solution."

Wilén added that among the measures necessary, were an extension of the 5% vat rate to include more energy-efficient products and increased funds to be channelled into the Energy Saving Trust.

The CPA also called on the Government to reintroduce the Homes Bill and review the scope for applying minimum standards for refurbishment work.