Tory council happily running 'conservatory tax' for past five years

clock •

Homeowners in Conservative-run Uttlesford must enact basic energy-efficiency measures if they want to build extensions – the same idea David Cameron just scrapped

A Conservative council in Essex has been running a so-called "conservatory tax" for five years without complaint, the Guardian has learned. On Tuesday, David Cameron ruled out plans to require that...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Policy

Can the government deliver its promised environmental improvements?
Policy

Can the government deliver its promised environmental improvements?

The government's new Environmental Improvement Plan is an impressive document, but big questions remain over whether Number 10 and the Treasury will give Ministers the tools they need to deliver

James Murray
James Murray
clock 02 December 2025 • 4 min read
Government confirms wave of new environmental targets and delivery plans
Policy

Government confirms wave of new environmental targets and delivery plans

Environmental Improvement Plan promises bold action to reverse nature loss, reduce air pollution, and tackle 'forever chemicals', as Prime Minister promises regulatory reform will drive economic growth

James Murray
James Murray
clock 01 December 2025 • 7 min read
We refuse to be the generation that lets nature slip away
Policy

We refuse to be the generation that lets nature slip away

Nature Minister Mary Creagh sets out how the government's new Environmental Improvement Plan will 'help people across the country live longer, healthier lives'

Mary Creagh, MP
clock 01 December 2025 • 2 min read