This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6985727.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Tory group urges 'green rebate' Tory group urges 'green rebate'
(20 minutes later)
A stamp duty rebate for home-buyers who improve the energy efficiency of their houses has been proposed by a Conservative policy group.A stamp duty rebate for home-buyers who improve the energy efficiency of their houses has been proposed by a Conservative policy group.
The Quality of Life group also proposes cuts in council tax and VAT for those who make "green" domestic renovations.The Quality of Life group also proposes cuts in council tax and VAT for those who make "green" domestic renovations.
It suggests capping the energy use of domestic appliances like TVs, fridges and personal computers.It suggests capping the energy use of domestic appliances like TVs, fridges and personal computers.
The proposals are not binding on Tory leader David Cameron, but he has worked to emphasise his green credentials.The proposals are not binding on Tory leader David Cameron, but he has worked to emphasise his green credentials.
Labelling systemLabelling system
The group - chaired by ex-environment secretary John Gummer and green activist Zac Goldsmith - says household goods which exceed energy limits should be banned from sale in the UK.The group - chaired by ex-environment secretary John Gummer and green activist Zac Goldsmith - says household goods which exceed energy limits should be banned from sale in the UK.
It suggests that products with standby lights which stay on permanently should also be outlawed, and a labelling system should be introduced to help consumers compare the energy usage of electrical products.It suggests that products with standby lights which stay on permanently should also be outlawed, and a labelling system should be introduced to help consumers compare the energy usage of electrical products.
Mr Goldsmith told the BBC's Sunday AM programme: "To upgrade your home is always going to be a disruptive process so the best time to do that is at the point where it changes ownership.Mr Goldsmith told the BBC's Sunday AM programme: "To upgrade your home is always going to be a disruptive process so the best time to do that is at the point where it changes ownership.
Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge we face Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth directorTackling climate change is the biggest challenge we face Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth director
"We should offer very generous stamp duty reductions - rebates - if your home is passed on in the best possible condition."We should offer very generous stamp duty reductions - rebates - if your home is passed on in the best possible condition.
"And I think if you do that, it becomes less of an ethical decision and more of an investment - a financial decision.""And I think if you do that, it becomes less of an ethical decision and more of an investment - a financial decision."
Friends of the Earth has welcomed the group's proposals.Friends of the Earth has welcomed the group's proposals.
Director Tony Juniper said: "Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge we face, and it looks as though the Conservative's Quality of Life Group has come up with a range of positive and practical suggestions to make life better for people while protecting the planet.Director Tony Juniper said: "Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge we face, and it looks as though the Conservative's Quality of Life Group has come up with a range of positive and practical suggestions to make life better for people while protecting the planet.
"A new approach is urgently needed if the UK is to become a world leader on this issue.""A new approach is urgently needed if the UK is to become a world leader on this issue."
All the proposals are due to be unveiled on Thursday.All the proposals are due to be unveiled on Thursday.
Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Chris Huhne said there was a split in the Conservatives' attitude towards green issues.
"With John Redwood saying that his idea of going green is cutting taxes, the Tories are heading for a major bust-up on their plans for tackling climate change," he said.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has previously said he wanted to "eliminate" the standby function.Prime Minister Gordon Brown has previously said he wanted to "eliminate" the standby function.