Commenting on the Government’s Green Deal cash back offer announced today, Friends of the Earth's Energy Campaigner Dave Timms said:

"This scheme looks like a winner. Insulating your home is already a great way to slash fuel bills and cut carbon emissions – and getting some cash back is an added incentive.

"With winter coming and rising gas prices sending energy bills soaring, everyone should try to take advantage - most homes can be made warmer and cheaper to heat.

"But far more government-funded grants and incentives are needed to tackle fuel poverty and prevent homes from leaking heat.

"The tragic reality is that energy efficiency funding for households who can't afford to heat their homes has been halved under the coalition."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.            The Green Deal cash-back scheme will not require households to take out a Green Deal loan package to qualify. This is a crucial criteria for Friends of the Earth welcoming the cash-back scheme.

2.            Friends of the Earth is a founder member of the Energy Bill Revolution campaign (www.energybillrevolution.org.uk) which is calling for the Government to use the future revenue it will receive from carbon tax and trading to boost spending on energy efficiency schemes for low-income and fuel poor households. It is estimated that the Treasury will receive on average £4bn annually on average from over the next 15 years. If this was re-invested in energy efficiency it could take 9 out of 10 households out of fuel poverty. The Energy Bill Revolution campaign is supported by over 100 organisations including childrens, health and consumer organisations.

3.            Friends of the Earth’s Clean British Energy campaign, backed by Deborah Meaden, is urging the Government to listen to the public and transform our broken energy system by developing clean and affordable power from our wind, sun and water. For too long the Big Six energy companies have locked Britain into importing costly gas and coal – causing our fuel bills to rocket. Now 85 per cent of people want the Government to back UK renewable power instead. This, and cutting energy waste, will stabilise fuel bills and create new jobs. To find out more and back the campaign, visit www.cleanbritishenergy.co.uk.