14 March 2006
British Gas is to offer nearly one million householders across the UK the opportunity of receiving a council tax rebate by installing energy saving measures.
A total of 16 local authorities have already committed to offer the rebates to their residents, meaning 880,000 people could benefit from the scheme.
At present, consumers in the UK's 10.3 million insufficiently insulated homes are wasting £1 in every £3 they spend on heating. It is thought that householders taking up the scheme could save up to £485.20 over five years.
Elliot Morley, minister for climate change and environment, said: "Since 2002 around ten million households, six million of them on low incomes, have benefited with the help of a range of energy suppliers across the country from warmer, more comfortable homes and lower fuel bills."
He added: "In a period of high energy prices it is an opportunity to make major savings."
Alison Butler, from Croydon Borough Council, said: "This is a great incentive and one where residents can do their bit to cut energy consumption and it should help eliminate fuel poverty and cut heating bills too."
British Gas is in talks with 40 other councils about proposals to extend similar schemes across the UK.
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