The Government’s decision to scrap a £1.5 billion commitment to support homeowners to improve the insulation of their homes has been slammed by Oldham’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Abdul Jabbar MBE.

A fund designed to help homeowners upgrade their properties to make them more energy efficient and greener has been plagued with delays and difficulties since it was announced last year, meaning very few residents will have been able to benefit.

Many Oldham residents will now be left facing the full cost themselves if they wish to play their part in tackling the climate crisis.

Cllr Jabbar, who has cabinet responsibility for green issues at Oldham Council, said: “It’s a disgrace that during this climate emergency the Government is pulling out of its commitment to help residents live in greener homes.

“Sadly this appears to be another example of this Government talking about the environment and then failing to deliver for residents in Oldham and elsewhere.”

The Government have announced that £300 million of the £1.5 billion withdrawn will instead be added to the pot for a local council-run scheme to improve the insulation of low income homes.

Cllr Jabbar said: “It’s a testament to local councils that the scheme we’re running is so successful relative to the private sector version. I welcome the additional funding, although it’s a shame the Government is only allocating such a small proportion of their original commitment.

“In Oldham and across Greater Manchester we’ve been working quickly to improve insulation on a large number of homes.

“But to tackle the climate emergency we must do more. Rather than pulling money out, the Government should be looking to expand the relatively simple and cost effective green investments that could make such a difference.

“Locally we will continue to invest in innovative projects like the mine water heat network planned for the town centre, in order to hit our ambitious targets for borough wide carbon neutrality by 2030.”