Free Local Insulation Grants

Households to pay for using too much energy

Households could be penalised for turning on their heating under a new scheme announced today. The plan would involve giving every household in Britain a quota of  “carbon credits”, which would be spent everytime the heating is turned on, as well as taking a flight or using the car – and once the credits reach zero, a penalty would be paid.

Lord Smith  is backing the plan, and says that only those who lead extravagant lifestyles would be affected. The scheme would also involve a rebate if credits are left unused, meaning those who forgoe the car in favour of a bike, or who use renewalable forms of energy to heat their home, could get money back.

Small business owners argue that they will be forced to buy extra credits, at a time when many businesses are already finding it difficult to pay existing taxes imposed by the Government.

If the plan does go ahead, it will place an even greater emphasis on ensuring that houses are well insulated, and any heat lost through lofts, windows and wall is minimised.

What do you think about this new plan announced by Lord Smith? Should the public be forced to pay a ‘green tax’ at a time when the country is also already struggling to meet the increasing cost of energy bills?