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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Tory group urges 'green rebate' | Tory group urges 'green rebate' |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| A stamp duty rebate for home-buyers who improve the energy efficiency of their houses has been proposed by a Conservative policy group. | A stamp duty rebate for home-buyers who improve the energy efficiency of their houses has been proposed by a Conservative policy group. |
| The Quality of Life group also proposes cuts in council tax and VAT for those who make "green" domestic renovations. | The Quality of Life group also proposes cuts in council tax and VAT for those who make "green" domestic renovations. |
| It suggests capping the energy use of domestic appliances like TVs, fridges and personal computers. | It suggests capping the energy use of domestic appliances like TVs, fridges and personal computers. |
| The proposals are not binding on Tory leader David Cameron, but he has worked to emphasise his green credentials. | The proposals are not binding on Tory leader David Cameron, but he has worked to emphasise his green credentials. |
| Labelling system | Labelling system |
| The group - chaired by ex-environment secretary John Gummer and green activist Zac Goldsmith - says household goods which exceed energy limits should be banned from sale in the UK. | The group - chaired by ex-environment secretary John Gummer and green activist Zac Goldsmith - says household goods which exceed energy limits should be banned from sale in the UK. |
| It suggests that products with standby lights which stay on permanently should also be outlawed, and a labelling system should be introduced to help consumers compare the energy usage of electrical products. | It suggests that products with standby lights which stay on permanently should also be outlawed, and a labelling system should be introduced to help consumers compare the energy usage of electrical products. |
| Mr Goldsmith told the BBC's Sunday AM programme: "To upgrade your home is always going to be a disruptive process so the best time to do that is at the point where it changes ownership. | Mr Goldsmith told the BBC's Sunday AM programme: "To upgrade your home is always going to be a disruptive process so the best time to do that is at the point where it changes ownership. |
| Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge we face Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth director | Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge we face Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth director |
| "We should offer very generous stamp duty reductions - rebates - if your home is passed on in the best possible condition. | "We should offer very generous stamp duty reductions - rebates - if your home is passed on in the best possible condition. |
| "And I think if you do that, it becomes less of an ethical decision and more of an investment - a financial decision." | "And I think if you do that, it becomes less of an ethical decision and more of an investment - a financial decision." |
| Friends of the Earth has welcomed the group's proposals. | Friends of the Earth has welcomed the group's proposals. |
| Director Tony Juniper said: "Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge we face, and it looks as though the Conservative's Quality of Life Group has come up with a range of positive and practical suggestions to make life better for people while protecting the planet. | Director Tony Juniper said: "Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge we face, and it looks as though the Conservative's Quality of Life Group has come up with a range of positive and practical suggestions to make life better for people while protecting the planet. |
| "A new approach is urgently needed if the UK is to become a world leader on this issue." | "A new approach is urgently needed if the UK is to become a world leader on this issue." |
| All the proposals are due to be unveiled on Thursday. | All the proposals are due to be unveiled on Thursday. |
| Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Chris Huhne said there was a split in the Conservatives' attitude towards green issues. | |
| "With John Redwood saying that his idea of going green is cutting taxes, the Tories are heading for a major bust-up on their plans for tackling climate change," he said. | |
| Prime Minister Gordon Brown has previously said he wanted to "eliminate" the standby function. | Prime Minister Gordon Brown has previously said he wanted to "eliminate" the standby function. |