Stamp duty exemption for new build zero carbon homes
Solarcentury welcomes todays pre budget report from the Government, stating its ambition for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016 with a time-limited stamp duty exemption for many new zero-carbon homes.
On this ambition for zero carbon homes, Chancellor Gordon Brown said: "It is time to set a long term framework for curbing the carbon emissions from homes - 30 per cent of all emissions. " He added: "Next week the Secretary for Communities and the Housing Minister will set out plans to ensure that within ten years every new home will be a zero carbon home, and we will be the first country ever to make this commitment. And to accelerate the building of zero carbon homes, for a time limited period the vast majority of new zero carbon homes will be exempted from stamp duty. For existing homes I will consult on a new facility to undertake energy audits and offer low loans that would in time, because of low energy bills, pay for themselves. Through greater energy efficiency our aim is to reduce emissions and to eliminate fuel poverty."
Solarcentury is delighted to see this commitment to working towards a cleaner environment, and looks forward to continuing its role in shaping the low carbon buildings of the future.
The Government believes economic prosperity must be achieved while protecting the environment to ensure a better quality of life for current and future generations. In particular, the Government claims it is committed to playing a leading role in tackling the global challenges of climate change, improving the local environment and to promoting an efficient and environmentally sustainable transport system.
The Pre-Budget Report also announces:
- an increase in all rates of air passenger duty with effect from 1 February 2007, in recognition of the environmental costs of flying;
- an ambition an increase in the main road fuel duties in line with inflation; and
- measures to promote the use of cleaner fuels, including support for the development of biofuels.
