More incentive is required in order for households to improve their energy efficiency, it has been claimed.

Andrew Leech, director at the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC), believes that, while the government is encouraging homes to boost their green credentials, such work can only happen if the required money is available.

"Another factor is that we have all got to have our homes improved by 2050 to meet the carbon emissions reduction targets," Mr Leech continued.

He stated that more money needs to be invested in order for the industry to keep up to speed with the housing stock and its maintenance to meet the objective.

Recent figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors have also indicated that private tenants across England are more likely to incur higher energy bills than homeowners.

The study found that property owners are more likely to effectively insulate and modernise their heating facilities.