Should home insulation in the UK be subsidised?

Improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s ageing housing stock has become increasingly important considering increasing energy prices - how strong is the case for government financial support to subsidise the cost of home insulation? Our new short topic video looks at some of the arguments for and against.

Installing loft insulation costs between £455 and £640, depending on the type of property, and can save a household between £330 and £590 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Cavity-wall insulation costs between £580 and £1,800 and can save between £235 and £690 a year.

Many lower-income families cannot afford this – should the state step in?