Greener homes a step nearer - Stunell

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Apr 2004

Greener and safer homes are a step nearer this Friday. That's when local MP, Andrew Stunell's Private Member's Bill gets its all important 'Third Reading' in the Commons.

Andrew Stunell's Sustainable and Secure Buildings bill will provide a benchmark for security and environmental standards for all buildings.

"For the first time, house builders will have to make sure that your home is safe to live in, and police will be able to take action if they cut corners that leave you vulnerable to break-ins.

"Most people don't realise that we burn more fuel in our homes than we would if we drove around all day in our cars. 27% of all carbon dioxide is emitted from our homes. This is because homes in Britain are very inefficient energy users. And there's a dark side to this - cold homes lead to scores of winter fuel poverty deaths in Stockport every year because people just cannot afford to keep warm and healthy.

"My bill will make homes comfortable and cheaper to run and reduce their environmental footprint in the process."

Mr Stunell says Friday's five hour debate will be nail-biting, but he hopes that all-party support so far will see it on to the statute book.

ENDS