Peter Emery, CEO of Electricity North West, said: “We welcome the green initiatives in this Budget and support the new savings bonds that will help everybody play their part in funding the key projects that will drive a green recovery.

“However, to truly set a path for that recovery, we urge the Government to build on the 10 point plan announced late last year with even more focused incentives for businesses to invest in green growth.

“A city the size of Manchester, for example, could transform itself into the equivalent of a sizeable power station if enough businesses installed just one 5kW solar panel on their roofs and sites. The Chancellor’s Superdeductor will help this, but making changes to business rates could do even more, by encouraging more business owners to invest in significant solar arrays without increasing the amount they pay in taxes.

“Furthermore, if we are to hit the region's ambitious net zero carbon targets, we are going to have to invest in the energy efficiency of our housing stock sooner rather than later.

“A new UK infrastructure Bank will support large schemes but In line with the 10 point plan published late last year, the government should also be pushing ahead with more schemes like the Green Homes Grant that will transform our use of energy, kick-start a green economy and drive investment in skills.”