STATEMENT: Groundwork response to the latest government green recovery commitments

“It’s encouraging that we’re starting to see the Government deliver on its promises to invest in a green recovery.  Improving the energy efficiency of our homes and public buildings is a vital part of the plan, but this needs to be matched by a commitment to fund independent advice for householders, particularly those who are living in fuel poverty or in substandard rented accommodation.

Given the financial consequences of the pandemic we need to do as much as we can to help people cut their bills as well as their carbon emissions.  The recovery needs to be fair as well as green, and some simple measures can have life-changing impacts. We look forward to more measures from the Chancellor aimed at creating green jobs.  In particular we want to see investment in expanding and improving our green infrastructure alongside construction.

The pandemic has highlighted how much we value being able to connect with nature but also the inequality that exists in terms of who has good green spaces on their doorstep.  As well as retrofitting our homes we need to refurbish our neighbourhoods, working with communities to upgrade the local environment so that we reduce air pollution, prevent flooding and preserve biodiversity.”

Graham Duxbury, national chief executive, Groundwork 

For more information, please email media@groundwork.org.uk