Cllr Philip Booth (Green) gave a warm welcome this evening, at Stroud District Council's Cabinet meeting, to the District Council's Environment Strategy. He said: "I welcome this report and the steps that have been achieved like the Council's 'Warm and Well' free insulation scheme to over 65s and some other groups (i). This is a good start in tackling fuel poverty and climate change, however the impact of oil price rises mean that more people are now facing fuel poverty. Across the District virtually all of us are coming to terms with rising bills and many are deeply worried by news that oil prices are likely to continue to rise."

Philip Booth, who is District councillor for Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill, asked the Cabinet to consider "what additional emergency measures could be put in place to help lessen the impact of oil price rises on the council, businesses and residents".

Speaking after the meeting he said: "I welcome that the Cabinet will look at this issue. Kirklees Council for example are giving free insulation to all householders paid for by the utility companies. This measure is set to cut average household bills by £150 a year - bigger savings now with the fuel price rises. We need to encourage more people to insulate and take other energy efficiency measures."

Philip Booth added: "The fact is that cheap oil has made possible much of what we take for granted: our food, heating our homes and the way we work, travel and entertain ourselves. Greens have, for years, been warning that the era of cheap oil will be over. We don't know when the oil will run out, but indications are that we have reached the peak and scientists say we will be the first generation to reach the end of one fuel source without another. It is tragic that not more has been done by our Government to lead on this issue. We should not underestimate the enormity of the problem, nor the urgency required to implement solutions."

Note:

(i) Grants available for energy efficiency and renewable technology measures

 If you are considering installing insulation measures or renewable technologies, there are several grant possibilities available. For loft insulation and cavity fill insulation, phone Warm and Well on 0800 512 012. These measures are free to the over 65s, and to various other groups. For advice about energy efficient boilers, and any help or discounts that may be available, contact the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) on 0800 512 012

For non-standard insulation measures such as solid wall and sloping ceiling insulation, contact Stroud District Council for further information about the WISE Homes grant on 01453 754464. There is a contribution available to all, regardless of age and means, for specific insulation measures. The WISE Homes grant also provides a £500 contribution towards renewable technologies. The WISE Homes grant is available in addition to any contribution from the government’s Low Carbon Building Grant for renewable technologies. www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk