"This is a great deal for ratepayers and the environment. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to mankind, species and habitats today. If we're going to tackle this problem, government needs to be offering households more and more attractive incentives to become energy efficient. We need to move towards a One Planet Northern Ireland – one where we're only using our fair share of the earth's carbon and resources," said Geoff Nuttall, Head of WWF Northern Ireland.

WWF estimates that around 70,000 homes in Northern Ireland could benefit from cavity wall insulation and hundreds of thousands more from improved roof insulation. £1 in every £3 spent on heating in the UK is lost through poor insulation and homeowners could save up to £190 per year on fuel bills.

"This is a tried and tested scheme with over 53 councils in England and Wales already offering the tax rebate. Sixty per cent of those which have taken up the scheme across the water said they preferred to get the discount on their council tax bill, rather than through a discount in the price of the energy saving measures," said Geoff Nuttall.

Earlier this year, WWF surveyed over 1,000 people in Northern Ireland to gauge their views on a green rebate being offered in Northern Ireland. The results showed overwhelming support with 90% supporting a rates reductions for people who improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and 68% strongly agreeing with the proposal.