The independent think tank New Local Government Network (NLGN) has launched a report into the government's Green Deal programme.

The independent think tank New Local Government Network (NLGN) has launched a report into the government's Green Deal programme.

NLGN's research was revealed during a presentation before a panel including Andrew Stunnell MP and Matilda Quiney, head of Green Deal from British Gas.

Findings suggest the programme may not reach the households most in need of energy efficiency measures.

Stunnel said he had recently visited Building Research Establishment (BRE) and witnessed the company planning how to work with installers for the deal.

The scheme will enable households to install improvements with a value of up to £6,500 at no upfront cost, which is paid back over a 25-year period.

Quiney said a representative of the scheme would visit a property and assess its condition. They would then make a list of recommended measures for the householder to take, be it loft or wall insulation, or microgenerated technology, "particularly for those living off the gas grid".

NLGN is concerned for many of the 1.4 million social homes classified as hard to treat, the efficiency measures would cost more than would be saved in reduced energy bills.