Conservatory Tax? It was bonkers, insists Cameron

DAVID Cameron denounced plans for a ‘conservatory tax’ as bonkers yesterday.

he pledged to veto the proposals that would have forced homeowners to spend hundreds of pounds extra on energy efficiency when they build an extension or fit a new boiler.

The Mail revealed yesterday that Tory ministers were in revolt over the plan – an element of the so-called Green Deal.

Former energy Secretary Chris huhne, the original architect, hit back yesterday accusing senior Tories of ‘ posturing’ against the guidelines which are meant to encourage homeowners to invest in insulation and other energy-saving measures.

Senior Lib Dems initially suggested they would back Mr huhne and would continue to fight for the plans.

But No10 made clear that the Premier will kill the guidelines stone dead.

A source close to Mr Cameron said: ‘This is a bonkers proposal and the Prime Minister frankly doesn’t understand how it got into the consultation document in the first place.

‘he is not going to allow a situation where someone who wants to do a bit of home improvement, replace a boiler or even a conservatory, is forced to pay another 10 per cent on top.

‘We’re all for going green but this is a ridiculous idea.’

Currently, the rules mean that developstop

‘Tories should stop posturing’

ments of more than 1,000 square metres must include environmental measures costing 10 per cent of the main investment.

Under the ‘mandatory’ scheme outlined in the consultation document anyone wanting to build a conservatory, replace a broken boiler or install new windows would have to seek permission from the council.

It could then require them to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by investing in measures such as loft and wall insulation and draught-proofing.

The measure is included in a consultation by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Sources said it had been included at Mr huhne’s behest as a result of Coalition ‘horse-trading’.

he has promoted the Government’s Green Deal, whereby homeowners can get a grant to fund the upfront costs of loft or cavity wall insulation and repay the cash from savings in their energy bills.

Mr huhne has, however, been forced to step down to fight criminal charges over claims he asked his former wife Vicky Pryce to take speeding points on his behalf. he said: ‘The Green Deal means that home insulation is funded from the savings in home energy bills so people are better off, not worse off. Top Tories should posturing on green plans that help hard-hit households.’

The source close to Mr Cameron said the Green Deal would still go ahead – but homeowners would not be compelled to join it if they want to do home improvements.

‘We are all behind the Green Deal but the key thing is that it has to be voluntary. We’re all for being greener but compelling people to fork out more at a time like this is unreasonable. ‘This is not a Uturn. Compulsion should never have been in the consultation.’

A Populus poll for the Times revealed that Labour has a ninepoint lead over the Tories – the largest since the Coalition came to power. Labour is on 42 points, up four from March, while the Tories have fallen one point to 33. The Lib Dems remain unchanged on 11. Dissatisfaction with the Government has increased, with 61 per cent saying it is doing ‘badly’ – up from 51 per cent in September. Nearly a quarter of those questioned – 24 per cent – say the Government is doing ‘very badly’.