"We need urgent efforts to decarbonise energy and insulate homes, focused on households in fuel poverty to ensure people are able to cope with the worsening cost of living crisis."
Responding to the announcement on the Energy Security Bill in the Queen’s Speech, Cllr David Renard, environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: “Councils continue to play a crucial role in both delivering net zero and ensuring residents are supported through the cost-of-living crisis, guaranteeing more homes are energy efficient before winter would contribute to both of these objectives.
“Regulation and support to critical technologies and innovations within this bill are a positive step. As local leaders, councils are the ones who can join-up and mobilise partners to deliver net zero within villages, towns, and cities.
“However, fuel poverty is increasing now, and energy price hikes will further hit households in the months ahead. We need urgent efforts to decarbonise energy and insulate homes, focused on households in fuel poverty to ensure people are able to cope with the worsening cost of living crisis.
“By bringing forward these measures, councils can work to ensure every pound is invested to support the growth of local businesses, as well as the green skills and jobs needed to achieve net zero.”