Greg Barker defends the Green Deal on Newsnight

Numbers were hotly debated with Barker, who claimed the scheme is less about selling Green Deal Finance than ensuring that energy efficiency measures are installed in Britain's leaky homes. Barker stressed that over 100,000 homes have been assessed, 80% of which have gone on to install such measures. 

DECC's latest figures show that only 219 householders have signed up for Green Deal Finance to pay for the installation of energy saving measures. The repayment plan is spread over 20 years at 8% interest. 

In answer to Paxman’s question, “Why did you draft the Green Deal so badly?” – Barker claimed the ‘game changer’ was the retrofitting of homes on a community-wide, street by street basis, which he says would boost take-up, and big metropolitan councils are keen to participate.

Barker also stated that he would like to see ECO (Energy Companies Obligation) and the Green Deal working as a joined up offering. 

To see the debate between Barker and Paxman, watch the YouTube video here.