Commons SC on housing stock and climate change

[Nemesis]

I really am just getting to grips with the details, but here's a cheering bit:

Q52 John Pugh: My suspicion is we are not working sufficiently with the grain of human nature. People, certainly in smaller Victorian houses, will think of things which you would not recommend, such as knocking down a partition wall because they want a larger room and things like that, which of course will be more problematic to build. They will do silly things like putting in PVC windows because they do not need painting as often as the old wooden ones did. So there are plusses but to give them a whole series of handouts saying "There is lagging available, chaps" will not get them to do the practical things that are needed.

Mr Gething: Yes. This illustrates the problem of where to put the information out, because a lot of this work will be, in effect, the DIY market or the "white van" market and those are areas which are traditionally very difficult.

More to follow for those interested!

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmcomloc/uc70-i/uc7002.htm


http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmcomloc.htm#evid

 

[ljn]

A very interesting read. Lot's of ideas bubbling under the surface ready to make an impact. VAT discounts on renovation? Grants, tax on ineficient buildings. Lots of carrots and sticks.

 

[Nemesis]

Yes, always lots of ideas - but getting the government to adopt them is the difficulty!