7 June 2007
Council houses are more likely to have efficient heating and insulation than private homes, according to a new government report.
Despite years of associating social housing with draughty flats and insufficient central heating, it seems that modern, energy efficient techniques mean they are starting to overtake privately owned property.
The English House Condition Survey 2005 Annual report has revealed that the 40 billion being put into the social housing sector appears to be having an impact, with almost half of all UK council homes having adequate loft insulation compared to 27% of other accommodation.
Older, larger homes are said to be the least energy efficient, although these often have the highest value.
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said: "This report shows the multibillion pound investment in council houses is helping the environment as well as families' fuel bills. Council houses are now much greener than private homes."
She added that the government was now "well on the way" to making all council houses "decent" claiming that 95% of all social housing will meet the decency standards in three years' time.
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