A report from construction advisor Peter Handsford has called for more incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in solid wall insulation.

The government has set a target of insulating a million homes by 2020, yet it remains a long way from reaching it with just 97,000 homes having solid wall insulation fitted since the scheme was introduced back in 2013.

At this rate the target is unlikely to be met and Handsford’s report recommends reducing Stamp Duty on Green homes to encourage owners to invest in insulation and see additional financial benefits in doing so.

The report ‘Solid Wall Insulation – Unlocking Demand and Driving up Standards’ also recommends reducing the amount of VAT payable on retrofit work so that it is more affordable.

Alongside its recommendations for kick starting the industry, the report highlights the need to introduce procedures to protect consumers and maintain standards in the industry.

One of the biggest challenges for the industry is convincing homeowners and landlords to invest in green energy efficiency improvements like cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation. Financing towards schemes has helped but there is at present uncertainty about when funding is made available.

New rules on energy efficiency aimed at landlords who are renting out property will at least provide a boost to the industry in the next few years.