In Gordon Brown’s pre-budget statement last week he announced that new zero-carbon emission homes would be eligible for limited stamp duty. However, until the Budget in April 2007 he does not know how to define such a home.
This has confused green house builders as they have their own guidelines, but as yet are now aware if they will be the same as the Governments. A Treasury spokesperson said that it was a way to improve building standards and open the green debate on housing. We are not able to move forward until carbon emissions are taken seriously.
Our view
It makes sense that Government are considering offering incentives for ‘green’ homes.