The recent Spending Review revealed that the Northern economy is growing faster than the South. Knauf Insulation today (December 7) welcomed Labour MP Marie Rimmer (pictured), to one of its leading Northern manufacturing plants to discuss energy efficiency policies and challenges.
During the tour of Knauf Insulation’s St Helens factory, Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston, Marie Rimmer, met local workers who explained how the sustainable manufacturing process works for energy saving insulation. There was also an opportunity to discuss some of the significant changes to energy efficiency policy over the last year and recent announcements made by George Osborne in the Autumn Statement.
Commenting on the visit, Marie Rimmer said: “It was pleasing to see so many local people, faces that I know, working in this factory.
“As I said during my maiden speech in the House of Commons, St Helens South and Whiston has always been at the leading edge of innovation and creativity. Following the demise of previous industries like coal mining companies like Knauf Insulation are now leading the way on sustainable and advanced manufacturing in the country.
“Last winter 43,900 people passed away during the cold weather. This is the highest number for ten years and was announced on the day that George Osborne reduced schemes to help the country’s most vulnerable households.
“Around 2.3 million UK homes are affected by fuel poverty and I believe that that energy efficiency should be a national infrastructure priority. I’m proud of the work that Knauf Insulation are doing to help tackle this cold homes scandal.”
Josh Robson, Head of Public Affairs at Knauf Insulation, commented: “It was a pleasure to host Marie at our St Helens factory. Her enthusiasm in supporting the work we do as a local company and in promoting energy saving measures to reduce fuel poverty is both welcome and encouraging.
“Warmer, more comfortable homes have been repeatedly shown to reduce the risk of illness and preventable deaths in winter, but an early view of policy announced in the government’s plans for this parliament does not suggest a serious move in this direction.
The reality is that if your home is under insulated, energy bills will be higher than they need to be, even if you switch. We will continue to work alongside politicians as new policy is brought forward to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to have a comfy home.”
For more information please visit www.knaufinsulation.co.uk and for a full response from Knauf Insulation on the recent combined Spending Review and Autumn Statement please visit https://builtonperformance.wordpress.com/2015/11/27/mr-osbornes-lack-of-energy/