UK must insulate homes or face a worse energy crisis in 2023, say experts

Cutting heat loss from houses will be more effective in the long term than subsidising bills, according to analysis

Britain will be plunged into an even worse energy crisis in a year's time without an immediate plan to improve leaky homes and dramatically reduce demand for gas, ministers have been warned.

The UK ranks among the worst in Europe for the energy efficiency of its homes, according to new research outlining an urgent need to reduce the amount of heat being wasted. Experts are warning that while Liz Truss has bought the government time with her 100bn-plus package to cap energy bills, similarly expensive and unsustainable schemes will be needed unless substantial plans are introduced to improve homes and reduce demand.