Just a couple of weeks ago it was announced the government would try to force homeowners to spend money improving the energy efficiency of their home whenever they wanted to complete other home improvements such as fitting a new conservatory or boiler. Now it appears these plans have been completely scrapped, as they are seen as being an attack on people's aspirations to do better. Apparently the plan was extremely unpopular with Tory MPs, even though loans to pay for the energy measures will be available under the government's Green Deal scheme.

Ministers were worried it would deter families from carrying out home improvements, and felt this was completely against everything they should be encouraging and supporting. The idea had been included in a consultation, and was apparently only ever there to appease the former Liberal Democrat energy secretary Chris Huhne who has since been forced to step down. According to the government they are not against people insulating their homes but feel it shouldn't be mandatory. The decision hasn't gone down well with some Liberal Democrats, as they feel it will save homeowners money in the long run, in spite of pilot studies showing little improvement on energy bills. In all probability, most people who want to spend money on home improvements will have already made sure they have insulated their home reasonably well.