It is not enough for Britain's political party leaders to show their energy cards before the general election on May 6, they must act on it in year one of office, says one industry leader.
A successful energy policy will be one of the defining issues for the next parliament says the chief executive of the Construction Products Association, Michael Ankers. He argues to be a successful prime minister a successful energy policy is required.

'If we are to see a sustained economic recovery, a secure long term supply of energy at competitive prices is absolutely essential' , said Ankers. 'Each of the main political parties has set out its energy strategy, but there is an urgent need to commit to develop a fully-costed programme for delivery within 12 months of being elected. Unless product manufacturers and suppliers have confidence in the next government's intent to address this issue, they will not invest in the UK, undermining economic recovery as well as attempts to rebalance the economy through a greater focus on manufacturing and construction', he added.

Ankers added: 'There are two sides to the energy equation and one of the most effective ways of securing our long term supply is to ensure that we do not waste the energy we produce. We therefore also want the new government to commit to developing a detailed long term programme for improving the energy efficiency of the existing building stock within the same 12 month period, identifying interim targets and the funding mechanisms needed to achieve this.'

The Construction Products Association represents the UK's manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. Energy was one of four areas that the CPA wants the main political parties to act on in their first year in office.

The other areas are:

To ensure that in this year's Comprehensive Spending Review the net public sector capital investment does not fall below 2.25% of GDP, to help stimulate economic recovery and provide social and environmental benefits that derive from improvements in the built environment

To develop a long term infrastructure plan supported by funding through an infrastructure bank to ensure that the UK has a transport infrastructure that helps business maintain competitiveness

To improve the mechanisms for ensuring compliance with building regulations, so that we can be more confident that what these regulations seek to achieve is actually delivered.