As part of the first steps of the Warm Homes Plan, The Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has officially announced its plans to consult on uplifting the minimum energy efficiency standards of all rented homes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating C by 2030.

This development was originally teased by the Energy Secretary, Ed Milliband in the House of Commons back in late July.

For private rented homes, this marks a considerable increase from the current standard, which is set at an EPC rating of E. In contrast, social rented homes currently have no formal minimum energy efficiency requirements.

The press statement released yesterday on the Gov.uk website outlines the government’s intention to improve living standards for tenants and reverse the previous Conservative government’s relaxation of green policies:

“Government intervention is now well overdue to transform living standards and deliver the safety and security of warmer, cheaper homes that are free from damp and mould.

The Energy Secretary, has pledged to take action to reverse these failures of the past and stand with tenants, with a commitment to consult by the end of the year on boosting minimum energy efficiency standards for private and social rented homes by 2030.”

Alongside the announcement to improve minimum standards, the government has also pledged a new Warm Homes: Local Grant for local authorities, to support low-income homeowners and private tenants to decarbonise and upgrade their homes, and has confirmed the continuation of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme into Phase 4, as well as the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund, which replaces the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), to support social housing providers and tenants.

Elmhurst’s Thoughts:

Elmhurst’s Managing Director, Stuart Fairlie, views the announcement as a positive step toward getting the country back on track with its net zero targets and helping to lift people out of fuel poverty:

“The UK potentially has some of the worst-performing buildings in Europe, with almost two million people in England and Wales living in fuel poverty in rented homes. Tenants in properties with an EPC rating of D to G face fuel bills that are almost three times higher than those in homes rated EPC C. This stark difference highlights the urgent need for an update to the regulations.

We are pleased to see the government beginning to take action in this area. However, the details will be critical, and we look forward to reviewing the full proposal within the consultation document. This should provide more information on any exemptions and the support available to landlords to make the necessary improvements and meet these new standards.

Furthermore, Elmhurst remains firm in its position that, to effectively reintroduce MEES, it is essential that the EPC Action Plan and Reform Consultation are reviewed and addressed in tandem. EPC reform will not only support the implementation of MEES but will also help resolve concerns about the suitability of EPCs within MEES, particularly for properties facing challenging circumstances. We also hope to see similar progress/updates soon when it comes to MEES in the non-domestic sector, to ensure that ALL rented buildings can become more energy efficient”

In the next few months, the government plans to officially consult on proposals for private and social rented homes to achieve EPC rating C or equivalent by 2030.

To read the press release, please click the link below:

Home upgrade revolution as renters set for warmer homes and cheaper bills – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)