The Green Party’s North Down Westminster candidate Steven Agnew says it is time for a UK National Insulation Scheme, which will create thousands of construction jobs and reduce the cost of home heating bills.

Mr. Agnew said: “A National Insulation Scheme with a five year plan could see every home, school and hospital in the UK properly insulated by 2015. Such a scheme would create 80,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing, areas which have been badly hit by the recession.  People worst affected by fuel poverty would be given priority, putting to an end the unacceptable situation where older people are having to choose between buying food or heating their homes in the cold winter months.

To fund a National Insulation Scheme the Green Party is proposing to scrap the Government’s plans for a renewal of the UK nuclear defence system Trident, which would save an estimated £97bn.  The insulation scheme would cost approximately £20bn over five years.”

Mr. Agnew continued: “With proper insulation, energy bills could be reduced by £150 per year, thousands of jobs created and carbon emissions reduced.  It’s win-win-win.”