Green deal is the real deal, says MP

Shortly after he was re-elected for a third term as a Member of Parliament, Greg Barker took the call from David Cameron which lead to him securing the role in the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), lead by Lib Dem Chris Huhne MP.

And last week DECC handed out duties to Mr Barker, his fellow minister of state Charles Hendry MP, and the department's Under Secretary of State Lord Marland of Odstock, a previous Tory party treasurer.

Bexhill's MP takes the lead on a raft of issues, including Britain's commitment to climate change at home and abroad, fuel poverty and cardon reduction initiatives.

Mr Barker, who described the shift from opposition to Government as, "a huge change", added: "I'm very excited by the wide range of responsibilities that I have been asked to take on. First and foremost will be the 'green deal'."

The green deal, a reminder of Cameron's "vote blue go green" rallying cry, is a flagship policy of the coalition Government, Mr Barker said.

"It will transform energy efficiency in the UK, and more importantly for local people in Bexhill and Battle.

"Everyone will be entitled to 6,500 of energy efficiency measures on their home, with no bill upfront."

Bexhill residents who opt for the Green Deal can pay the money off through savings on their fuel bills over 20 years.

"Everyone who partakes will see their bills drop from day one," said Mr Barker, who also controls energy innovation - including wave and tidal energy - and climate science.

And like all ministers, he will be looking to lower his department's bills through his remit for public sector energy efficiency.

Green investment banking and green ISAs - accounts with banks that invest environmentally responsibly - also fall within his scope.

The secret to balancing this vast workload with his responsibility to Bexhill and Battle, Greg said, was the civil service.

"The support you get in Government and the expertise you can draw on and the professionalism of the civil service machine is very impressive.

"I'm really impressed by DECC. They can turn on a sixpence."