Industry figures have said the chancellor’s support for energy efficiency measures in yesterday’s spring statement will not do enough to decarbonise the UK’s housing stock or lower soaring energy bills for residents.

While figures across the housing and construction sector have welcomed the chancellor’s decision to bring in a long-called for zero-rate for VAT for the installation of energy-saving materials such as solar panels, insulation and heat pumps on domestic properties, Rishi Sunak stopped short of setting out a co-ordinated programme to retrofit UK homes, as demanded by the government’s own climate advisors.