Letters: Propertymark Response to UK Consultation on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for Privately Rented Homes

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Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns for Propertymark, responds to the UK government’s announcement of a consultation on raising minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030, and comments by UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband on Radio 4’s Today Programme.

Sirs,

The government is proposing to raise the minimum energy efficiency standard required of privately rented homes in England and Wales to the equivalent of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C by 2030.

The consultation announced today and proposals to extend the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the private rented sector in England and Wales, have long been anticipated. However, Minister Miliband must realise it’s not about fighting landlords and people on climate change; it’s about creating realistic and achievable energy efficiency targets that acknowledge the challenges our housing sector faces in adapting and making the necessary improvements in an affordable way.

Landlords are part of the solution, but the UK Government must listen and support them as housing providers. Failure to do so alongside adequate and sustained grant funding, will only mean that property will not be available to rent, and tenants lose out when there is huge demand for rented property across the country.

Timothy Douglas

Head of Policy and Campaigns

Propertymark

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Staff Reporter

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