Lisa Smart backs solar drive

Lisa Smart MP is backing a motion in Parliament to drive the numbers of new homes to be fitted with solar panels.

The Early Day Motion in Parliament from Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron calls for all new-build homes to be fitted with solar panels.  It also calls for local councils to be given the powers to enforce zero carbon standards on new homes in their area.

A study conducted by the charity World Wildlife Fund and the energy provider Scottish Power found that installing 10-12 solar panels on a home could save homeowners £586 per year in reduced energy bills.

Meanwhile a report from the National Housing Federation found that England’s homes produce more carbon emissions every year than is produced by all of the country’s cars.

Hazel Grove’s MP Lisa Smart said: “We all know the pressure that is being put on Councils to deliver more homes – but it is vital that these are the right homes in the right places.

“At the moment, the Government is looking at massively increasing the number of houses required in places like Stockport, without doing anything to ensure that they are built on brownfield sites, to ensure that more of them are the social housing that we need, or to ensure that they are ready for the future.

“New homes built to zero-carbon standards would save people from being saddled with huge bills to retrofit their home later down the line.

“It’s vital the new Government empower our local planning authorities to make sure our new homes are built to high eco standards, which will reduce energy costs and make a meaningful contribution to the battle against climate change.”