Funding package vital to energy efficiency plans
Plans to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector must be backed up by a comprehensive financial package says the NRLA.
The call comes after Ed Miliband MP, Energy Security & Net Zero Secretary confirmed a consultation will be launched on plans to increase the minimum energy efficiency standard for rental properties to a C rating by 2030.Those landlords whose homes do not meet the new standard will be unable to rent them out.
The C target mirrors Conservative proposals, first mooted in 2021, which would have required all landlords in England and Wales to have a C rated home by 2028 – plans which were axed by former PM Rishi Sunak last year.
Clear and comprehensive plan
According to official data, in 2022, almost 45 per cent of private rented properties in England had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least a C, more than double the rate compared to 2012.
However, a third of private rented sector homes were built before 1919, a higher proportion than any other tenure. These are among some of the hardest to improve properties of the entire housing stock.
Chris Norris, Policy Director for the NRLA said: “The NRLA wants to see all rented properties become as energy efficient as possible. However, the Government’s approach must involve a clear and comprehensive plan which recognises that the sector has some of the oldest, and hardest to improve, properties in the UK’s housing stock.
“The sector needs a clear trajectory setting out what will be expected of it and by when. This plan must also ensure sufficient numbers of tradespeople are in place to undertake the work that will be required.
“Alongside this, as the Committee on Fuel Poverty has warned, is the need for a financial package to support investment in energy efficiency measures. At present, the private rented sector is the only housing tenure without a bespoke package to support work to upgrade homes.”
Keep an eye on our news site and social media channels for the latest on energy efficiency plans and the launch of the consultation, which is expected by the end of the year.
More information
- For more information on the NRLA's energy efficiency camapign click here.
- Part of the NRLA family, Safe2 is a one-stop-shop for all things compliance, sending alerts when documents are due to expire, organising inspections and repairs and issuing certificates. For more information on Safe2 and its services visit nrla.org.uk/safe2
