All 33 boroughs have signed up to the programme to an average EPC B rating by 2030.

With the government spending review and COP26 at the end of the month, London Councils is urging the government to release GBP£30 million of up-front funding to kickstart the massive retrofitting programme.

The initial funding is necessary to unlock over GBP£200 billion in private investment for delivering net zero across the UK’s 12 biggest cities.

“Achieving net zero is undoubtedly a momentous challenge – but it’s also an invaluable opportunity to work with communities in improving energy efficiency, embedding green skills, and driving a green economic recovery,” said Philip Glanville, mayor of Hackney and chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee.

“This is a vital investment in a greener future for London, and the whole of the UK. Retrofitting on this scale will bring immediate benefits by creating new jobs, while also at this crucial time lowering Londoners’ fuel bills, cutting carbon emissions and addressing the climate emergency,” he added.

London Councils says the boroughs plan for retrofitting the capital relies on targeted government investment, facilitating private financing opportunities and encouraging funding by landlords and private households.

The cross-party group believes its proposed programme will also create 200,000 jobs linked to insulating and retrofitting work by 2030.

It also has the potential reduce fuel poverty, which affects 14% of households across the capital.