Today's budget should include a programme of "low-carbon home zones" to provide improved insulation for fuel-poor families, according to a leading environmental group.

Representatives for Friends of the Earth urged the government to expand its efforts to increase the energy efficiency of the nation's homes.

Ed Matthew, the organisation's low-carbon homes campaigner, called for energy companies' profits to be taxed and then invested in 'super' insulation for houses experiencing fuel poverty.

"The government must use this week's budget to prioritise urgent action on climate change and help the poorest members of society to keep warm," he remarked.

He added that leaders must fulfil their promise to end fuel poverty for vulnerable groups by 2010.

Fuel poverty applies to families who have to spend more than ten per cent of their income on heat and electricity alone.

Recent statistics suggested that there are now more than four million UK households suffering from the problem, which is twice the number in 2004.

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Author:  Joanne McCabe

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