Energy efficient homes win tax rebates

The local council in Braintree, Essex, is to offer a 100 rebate on council tax to homes which become energy efficient, according to the BBC.

15:09 11 November 2004

The local council in Braintree, Essex, is to offer a 100 rebate on council tax to homes which become energy efficient, according to the BBC.

In conjunction with British Gas, the offer is extended to households which do not qualify for subsidies under the Warm Front scheme for council tenants.

Homeowners can pay 175 to receive cavity wall insulation, energy saving light bulbs and an assessment of how to further improve efficiency. This will see homeowners cut costs and boost coffers further by receiving the rebate.

Mark Clare, managing director or British Gas, said: "This is the first carrot to reward homeowners for energy saving."

British Gas has long campaigned for greater government incentives for increasing energy efficiency, which it claims could save households hundreds of pounds in heating bills.

Mr Clare said in 2003, when the government announced it would look into proposals: "As the nation's largest provider of energy saving measures we support the Government's objectives, and we would call for the final proposals to offer real domestic incentives for the householders."