A recent report from economic consultancy Frontier Economics has suggested that those who offer draughty properties for sale should face fines.

The organisation claims that the funds raised from such penalties could support government home insulation schemes, and help some of Britain’s least wealthy homeowners.

The study also urges a raft of incentives including tax and stamp duty rebates and interest-free loans, or a salary sacrifice scheme offering savings via income tax. But fining is the report’s most radical idea. The document also insists the government could miss its carbon reduction targets if it doesn’t step in to prevent domestic energy waste. It adds that the government’s own advisers insist that Britain’s ageing housing stock is the single greatest barrier to meeting these goals.

For its part, the government says it is looking at various alternatives as part of its Clean Growth Plan, which has been delayed but is expected to be released before long. This follows the collapse of the previous Green Deal home loan scheme.

A partnership of different groups who are worried about the current condition of the UK’s housing stock, including architects’ body Riba, funded the Frontier Economics study. The Institution of Civil Engineers and electricity group Energy UK were also involved.

The report wants to see all homes become carbon neutral within three decades. And it stresses that alternatives must be found to encourage homeowners to take on property improvement schemes.

Clearly, the notion of a penalty fine for selling a draughty house is, at this stage, nothing more than an idea being put forward to the government.

But that’s not to say it couldn’t ever happen. And if you’re looking at ways to make your home more energy efficient and less draughty, you could do far worse than start with the windows. Older models in particular can be responsible for a great deal of heat loss.

At Worthing Windows, we can advise you about replacement glazing up and down our bit of West Sussex from Lancing to Sompting and offer a great range of home improvement products including uPVC windows, aluminium, timber and timber replica models.

All are made to the highest possible standards, and come with a 10-year guarantee. Have a chat to a member of the friendly, professional team – and get a quote with no charge or obligation.