Retrofitting homes would create thousands of jobs across Dorset, according to a report.

The Institute for Public Policy Research says a £7billion a year scheme that would see homes retrofitted with good insulation and heat pumps is a 'no brainer'.

They say it would create jobs, boost growth, reduce energy bills, level-up and meet net-zero targets nationwide.

It is estimated that the scheme would create 12,190 jobs across Dorset including 5,184 in the West Dorset and South Dorset parliamentary constituencies.

That would be equivalent to 7.7% of the two constituency's total job market – nationally, the uplift would be 4.9%.

The 28-year proposal would upgrade almost all of England's 24 million homes with energy efficient measures and low-carbon technologies.

The Institute for Public Policy Research claims claims the move is “uniquely placed” to become “the cornerstone of the Government’s levelling-up strategy in England”, as those communities with the highest demand for installers tend to be current or former industrial centres and coastal communities outside London and the South East.

The think tank said investing in its proposals for a multibillion pound retrofitting programme could save average households £430 per year when energy bills are capped at £2,500 this autumn, and sustain more than 1.2 million direct jobs and 1.5 million indirect jobs by 2050.

Luke Murphy, associate director for the energy, climate, housing and infrastructure team at the IPPR, said: "It’s hard to think of another intervention that could deliver on so many objectives at the same time.

"It’s time the Government acted and invested to upgrade our nation’s homes, making them warmer and more affordable.”

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department agrees that retrofitting will help the economy grow and bring down household energy bills and is spending £6.6 billion to improve energy efficiency across the country.

A BEIS spokesperson said: “The majority of our ‘Help to Heat’ support is targeting those on low incomes and vulnerable households, which is benefiting tens of thousands of homes and delivering average savings of £300 a year on energy bills.

“Huge progress has already been made, with the number of homes with an energy efficiency rating of C or above at 46% and rising, up from just 14% in 2010.”