Reacting to comments today by Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne on a new 'green deal', which aims to cut carbon from millions of homes and reduce energy bills, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

 "One in five homes are so badly insulated they are a health hazard - and many are rented properties housing vulnerable people.

 "Government plans for a green deal to stop homes leaking heat are a step forward - but giant strides are needed to tackle the problem properly.

 "Ministers must ensure no-one lives in a house so cold it makes them ill and that fuel bills heat our homes and not the planet.

 "A comprehensive strategy, including a minimum energy efficiency standard for rented homes, is urgently needed to overhaul UK housing while tackling climate change and fuel poverty."

 Notes to editors:

1. Speech by Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne:

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/Energy_Summit/Energy¬
_Summit.aspx