The Queen’s Speech will outline the government’s legislative plans for the coming year. It is expected to announce an Energy Bill, and here’s what UKGBC want to hear:

Energy Bill: A chance to upgrade the nation’s homes 

Insulating homes is key to bringing energy bills down for everyone and to tackling unprecedented levels of fuel poverty. A nationwide homes upgrade drive can also help levelling-up – generating jobs in every part of the country, especially the most left behind areas which also have the poorest housing stock.  

The Government’s Energy Security Strategy confirmed that it will “set clear energy performance standards, varying by building type, phased in over the long-term” – with more details to be announced in May. UKGBC’s decarbonisation Roadmap shows that setting minimum standards is critical to meeting the UK’s climate commitments.  

UKGBC wants to hear that the new Energy Bill will include Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) across all housing tenures, whilst providing support for households to ensure this is affordable and fair for everyone. This should include: 

  • Tightening standards for the private rented sector so that homes meet the basic EPC C standard (up from band E) by 2025/6 for new tenancies and by 2028 at the latest for existing tenancies. Everyone has the right to live somewhere they can afford to heat.  
  • Homes should be brought up to EPC C standards at the point of sale by 2028.  
  • Longer term targets should be introduced to bring all owner-occupied homes up to EPC C standards, with accompanying support and incentives.

Read more on our ambition for a Nationwide Retrofit Strategy here

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