Barry Pitts

Housing Association leaders have called on the Government to shelve their opposition to solar power feed in tariffs. 

Staffordshire Housing Association says the Governments bid to cut the tariffs is unfair to residents who may lose out on potential savings of £150 a year. 

Barry Pitts, Business Development Director at Stoke based Staffordshire Housing Association said: “We support and applaud Friends of the Earth in their recent High Court action against proposed cuts in the solar feed in tariff.” 

The High Court said the Government had acted unlawfully and upheld the environmental campaign group’s complaint. 

In common with many social housing providers across the UK, Staffordshire Housing Association has suspended its solar installation programme pending the outcome of the court case. 

Added Mr Pitts: “We are disappointed that the Government has chosen to appeal and that public funds are being used to fight against measures which will help householders and help cut carbon usage. 

“We want to reinstate our programme and to see other similar programmes across England reinstated,” said Mr Pitts. “Fitting solar panels could save our residents around £150 a year on their energy bills. 

“Along with the obvious benefits of using green energy, we also have a policy of using local solar installers, therefore creating jobs and funds for the economy in Staffordshire. 

Staffordshire Housing Association owns and manages around 2,800 homes in North Staffordshire. 

ENDS 

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Notes to Editors: Staffordshire Housing Group is a housing association committed to building a better future for local communities.  Established in 1984, SHA provide a huge range of tenant services including maintenance, tenancy support, estate management and gardening, as well as essential guidance on income management, money advice and benefits assessments. They are committed to improving live in Staffordshire through regeneration, supported housing, older people’s villages, key worker homes and a rolling programme of home improvements. Their subsidiary company, Blue Mountain Housing Association, also work closely with refugee and local BME communities to provide essential support with healthcare, education, training and employment as well as access to quality housing.