All new homes should have solar panels installed to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs for households, council leaders say.
A new report by the Local Government Association (LGA) found that 60% of new homes built do not have rooftop solar panels.
Citing research by the think tank Resolution Foundation, the LGA’s report said that requiring new builds to have solar panels installed would save households an estimated £440 per year.
The report, Empowering local climate action: advice to government, called for councils to be given more powers to set climate targets and raise energy standards.
It also urged the Government to agree to multi-year funding commitments to tackle climate change.
Cllr Adam Hug, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said the ‘funding or policies needed to empower’ councils to do more to tackle climate change are ‘not yet in place.’
‘The Government should use the Spending Review to ensure that councils are sufficiently funded and take on the policy recommendations that will help local government fulfil its role in tackling climate change,’ he added.
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