WWF-UK: Rates rebate for green tax payers
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Rates rebate for green tax payers
WWF is pressing the Northern Ireland Executive to introduce a 'tried & tested' rate rebate scheme which will reduce carbon emissions through household energy efficiency improvements.
The global environmental organisation presented the case to Peter Robinson during the Rates Review but is keen that Government moves quickly to ensure Northern Ireland doesn't miss this golden opportunity to offer a 'green carrot' for householders.
In a recent IPSOS MORI survey 90 per cent (1) of the public supported the rebate scheme which would allow householders to install additional cavity wall and loft insulation in their homes and in return receive a cash back from their rates bill.
"There is a lot of talk of green taxes at the minute but pitifully few positive, easy solutions on the table. Climate change is a reality which has to be dealt with quickly. In order to do that we need to find practical solutions which offer incentives to householders to be more environmentally-friendly," said Geoff Nuttall, Head of WWF Northern Ireland.
The rate rebate scheme has been running in England and Wales for three years and has resulted in thousands of householders installing cavity wall or loft insulation. One of the councils involved, Braintree, believes that the scheme has proved effective at persuading householders who aren't motivated by other incentives to install insulation measures.
"The rebate is a real 'win win' for the ratepayers and for the council," says Cllr. Roger Walters, portfolio holder for Waste and Sustainability. "Braintree is really committed to helping combat climate change, and our council tax payers really appreciate the money they save, the additional warmth in their properties and the carbon reductions that this scheme can provide."
1 A WWF commissioned IPSOS MORI survey of over 1,000 local people, found 90 per cent supported rates reductions for people who improve the energy efficiency of their homes with 68 per cent strongly agreeing with the proposal.
In a recent IPSOS MORI survey 90 per cent (1) of the public supported the rebate scheme which would allow householders to install additional cavity wall and loft insulation in their homes and in return receive a cash back from their rates bill.
"There is a lot of talk of green taxes at the minute but pitifully few positive, easy solutions on the table. Climate change is a reality which has to be dealt with quickly. In order to do that we need to find practical solutions which offer incentives to householders to be more environmentally-friendly," said Geoff Nuttall, Head of WWF Northern Ireland.
The rate rebate scheme has been running in England and Wales for three years and has resulted in thousands of householders installing cavity wall or loft insulation. One of the councils involved, Braintree, believes that the scheme has proved effective at persuading householders who aren't motivated by other incentives to install insulation measures.
"The rebate is a real 'win win' for the ratepayers and for the council," says Cllr. Roger Walters, portfolio holder for Waste and Sustainability. "Braintree is really committed to helping combat climate change, and our council tax payers really appreciate the money they save, the additional warmth in their properties and the carbon reductions that this scheme can provide."
1 A WWF commissioned IPSOS MORI survey of over 1,000 local people, found 90 per cent supported rates reductions for people who improve the energy efficiency of their homes with 68 per cent strongly agreeing with the proposal.
