BMF calls for increased action

The BMF has given a cautious welcome to measures to increase the energy efficiency of UK homes confirmed as part of the government’s net zero and energy security strategy, Powering Up Britain, but states it will still campaign for more to be done through the National Retrofit Strategy.

Now rebranded as The Great British Insulation Scheme, the government’s previously announced ECO+ initiative is set to launch in Summer 2023 and run until March 2026. It will provide £1bn over three years to upgrade 300,000 homes with an energy performance certificate of D or below and in the lower Council Tax bands (A-D in England, and A-E in Scotland and Wales).

BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “Of course, we welcome any scheme that aims to help householders with the cost of installing new home insulation. However, this is still a far cry from the benefits that would be afforded by a long-term National Retrofit Strategy to upgrade all 29 million homes in the UK that require improvement to reduce both energy bills and CO2 emissions.

“Government backing for this long-term plan would have the added benefit of creating up to 500,000 skilled jobs and we will continue to campaign for the adoption of the National Retrofit Strategy.” n Taking place in September, the green light for this year’s Pavestone Rally is fast approaching and the BMF is asking for support for its own intrepid team. BMF Regional Manager Craig Jennings, Learning and Development Manager Kerry Wilson, Business Development Manager Oz Bham and Stacey Lock, IOBM and Events coordinator, are the Federation’s Fab Four, and they will be embarking on the four-day journey from Ghent to Monte Carlo in a car purchased for no more than £500.

The team are looking to raise as much money as they can for Variety, Rainy Day Trust, Crash and The British Heart Foundation, and donations can be made via www.rdr.link/mas002