Jim Cunningham
Main Page: Jim Cunningham (Labour - Coventry South)
Alok Sharma
Yes, of course we should be doing precisely that. I should add, however, that since 2010 we have strengthened the energy requirements for new homes by 30%, which has reduced energy bills by an average of £200.
Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab)
Will the Minister clarify the Government’s policy in respect of building on the green belt?
Alok Sharma
I thought I had already clarified it, but let me make it clear again. We believe in protecting the green belt. There will be exceptional circumstances that local authorities can consider, but they will need to take their local communities with them.