David Barnes, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), said: “We welcome the publication of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan and its focus on improving energy efficiency across the UK’s housing stock.  

“Improving energy efficiency at scale will be critical for the UK Government to meet its wider net zero ambitions and reduce consumer bills. However, we believe these targets will only be met if there is a significant investment in skills and training.  

“The importance of a trained and competent workforce advising and carrying out energy efficiency installations cannot be understated in light of recent, well-documented failures that have resulted in severe defects and low consumer confidence.

“Installing and maintaining evolving technologies requires a well-trained workforce, otherwise we risk having systems which do not provide maximum benefit for the consumer.

“To succeed, the Government must ensure the Plan is delivered in close consultation with the construction industry. Historically, issues with schemes have arisen when industry has not been engaged, while stop-start approaches and sudden funding withdrawals have further stunted progress and confidence.”