New energy-saving plan attacked by Tories

Sep 19 2008 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ENERGY saving measures announced by the Government will not benefit everyone, claim Kirklees Council’s ruling Tory group.

They say the free Kirklees Warmzone scheme will help more people in the borough than part of the £910million package announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The Government said households could get 50% off the insulation of homes in a bid to save energy and beat rising fuel costs.

But Kirklees Warmzone is providing the same energy-saving measures for free.

All 160,000 homes in the borough are being invited to take part in the scheme which is half way through a three-year programme.

Clr David Hall, Cabinet member for green services, said that the energy drive brings nothing new for Kirklees residents.

“In fact quite the opposite,” Clr Hall said. “The Government announcement still means people, other than pensioners, will have to pay for insulation.