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London insulation needs to speed up

Fitting insulation and double glazing in London homes that do not have it yet could cut the capital's household emissions by a quarter, while saving residents money on energy bills, according to a report.

The London Assembly Environment Committee report entitle Lagging Behind – Insulating Homes in London, claims that while significant emissions and money savings could be made, the rate at which homes are made more energy efficient has to improve.

At current levels of installing insulation, the report claims it would take 65 years to fully insulate homes.

Assembly member Darren Johnson, Chair of the Environment Committee, said: "Our report estimates that between 40,000 and 55,000 insulations were carried out in London in 2007. While this sounds like a significant number, London has a lot of catching up to do if it is to match the rest of the country."

He noted that insulation was not as attractive for "glossy magazines" as new bathrooms or kitchens but that it did save money and cut carbon emissions.

Earlier this year prime minister Gordon Brown launched a £910 million energy efficiency scheme aimed at helping all households get insulated.

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