Santander demands new rules for homeowners and renters and says 'it is clear'

Santander has called on the government to help households reduce energy loss and keep bills low. High street giant Santander wants more upfront financial support, including stamp duty rebates for new home buyers and subsidised bank loans for energy efficiency upgrades.

New research published in Santander’s ‘Tomorrow’s Homes’ report shows half (48 per cent) of UK homeowners think improved home efficiency would have a significant effect on their lives. Yet three-fifths (61 per cent) say they won’t upgrade glazing, loft or wall insulation in the next two years, with upfront costs being one of the main barriers.

Santander is calling for more upfront grant support, an online tool that can help consumers learn more about how to retrofit their homes in the simplest possible way and support from government to lenders offering financing options for green improvements.

READ MORE UK faces first 30C heatwave of year - with more scorching weather to follow

Fiona Hyde, Head of Sustainability at Santander, said: “It’s clear that homeowners and renters need Government support to be better informed about the options available to them; to have access to affordable, skilled tradespeople; and crucially to be able to benefit from all available financial incentives, if we are to help them keep their homes warm and their energy bills low.

“But beyond that, the houses and flats we know today will, in the majority of cases, be the same houses and flats that we are living in for generations to come. Failing to retrofit them is simply not an option if we are to truly tackle the climate crisis and achieve the country’s carbon emission targets.”

Rt Hon Phillip Dunne, MP and Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee said: “I was pleased to have been invited to join the Panel for the launch of Santander’s Tomorrow’s Homes report in the Commons. I have taken a considerable interest in how best to improve the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes.

"This report makes some interesting recommendations about raising awareness among homeowners, landlords and tenants of the benefits of reducing energy costs through retrofit. The Government has introduced some incentives, such as VAT reductions on energy efficiency installations and the Home Upgrade Scheme for grants to help support heat pumps uptake.

"But there is scope to do more, to help households on the journey to decarbonising homes to lower energy costs and cut emissions."