at present

Under Reeves’ plans, the funds would be consolidated in some way, although at present it is unclear exactly how.

There is a lot of uncertainty around them at present, and I am certainly not convinced by them at home.

Their numbers have fallen from more than 1,000 in the 1960s to around 150 at present.

"Affordability is also still relatively stretched at present as a result of the higher interest rate environment, which is acting to dampen housing market activity more generally," said chief economist Robert Gardner.

But paints designed to be significantly more reflective than standard white paint could heighten the effect. i2Cool in Hong Kong is one of several firms marketing such a product at present.