Clegg: 'Green Deal to benefit 14 million homes'

Nick Clegg pledged action not words on climate change today as he highlighted a scheme to improve insulation in homes and offices.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Green Deal could save millions of households up to £550 a year by providing them with upfront finance for energy-saving measures.

Speaking in the North East, Mr Clegg also called for the region to become a "hub" for the new green economy, generating private-sector growth to correct the "over-dependence on the public sector".

"All politicians have warm words on the environment, and all governments talk about leading the shift to a new green economy," he said.

"This government is going to do things differently. We won't try and dazzle you with green gimmicks. We want to impress you by quietly getting on with the job."

He said the Green Deal could benefit up to 14 million homes, with the most inefficient saving around £550 a year, and the outlay recouped through energy bills. Details of the plans will be set out in legislation later this year.

"Green Deal Finance will allow householders to make their homes more energy efficient, saving on their bills, without the need for them to provide up-front finance," he said.

"Homes account for a quarter of all emissions in the UK, and this is no longer a problem we can ignore. With some of the oldest housing stock in Europe we also face a huge challenge."

The Deputy Prime Minister's comments came at the launch of a low carbon business support programme which the Government hopes will lead to the creation of 10,000 new jobs and 1,000 firms.