Insulation call as inflation hits 40-year high

• Nationwide insulation programme needed to help bring down soaring energy bills, says Friends of the Earth

Reacting to news that the cost of living has increased at its fastest rate for four decades, Connor Schwartz, climate lead at Friends of the Earth, said:

“Today’s cost of living crisis means people are choosing between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. We’re paying more and more for daily essentials such as energy, food and travel, while oil and gas companies are cashing in on record profits.

“The fastest, most efficient way to bring down energy bills is to impose a windfall tax on these excess profits and use it to fund a free street-by-street insulation programme – focussing on the most vulnerable households first.

“Insulating homes, phasing out fossil fuels and investing in safe, reliable and renewable energy will keep energy bills down and help curb climate breakdown. The government must act now.”