External wall insulation can help people to save money on their monthly energy bills, one expert has suggested.

Richard Baines, head of sustainable development at the Black Country Housing Group told Boiler Juice that external cladding is three times less expensive than internal insulation and does not mean that rooms have to be smaller.

Speaking to the news provider, Mr Baines said: "If the UK is to meet its 80 per cent carbon reduction target by 2050, we need to be retrofitting housing stock at a rate of 500,000 homes a year."

As well as this, he noted that external wall insulation can help to boost the aesthetic value of some housing estates.

One area that is set to benefit from insulation is Ryedale, after its local authority agreed a deal with the Yorkshire Energy Partnership.

The move will see free external wall insulation made available to Ryedale homeowners who are off-mains gas and have the required qualifying benefits.