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Labour has confirmed plans for all rented properties to achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grade C by 2030.
This initiative was confirmed by Miatta Fahnbulleh, the Under Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle fuel poverty.
Green Party MP Ellie Chowns raised the issue in a written question to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, asking whether it would become official policy to require landlords to enhance the energy efficiency of their properties to an EPC C rating. Ms. Fahnbulleh affirmed the government’s dedication to this goal, highlighting the positive impact it would have on households struggling with energy costs.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband echoed this sentiment in a recent Commons address, emphasizing the contrast between the current administration’s proactive stance and the inaction of previous governments;
“One thing that this Government will do that the last Government did not, is demand that landlords raise the standard of their accommodation to a proper energy performance certificate standard C by 2030”
Despite broad support for the initiative, concerns have been raised regarding the financial burden on landlords. Propertymark has called for financial assistance to help landlords meet the new EPC requirements;
“Propertymark wants to see more energy-efficient homes, but, as we have long said, the rules and requirements must be realistic and achievable for the sector,” the organization stated. “Any future targets must be fully backed by legislation that incentivises and encourages people rather than penalising them.”
Propertymark has written to Ed Miliband seeking further clarification and support for landlords to achieve these energy efficiency targets.
As the 2030 deadline approaches, the Labour government faces the challenge of balancing its commitment to reducing fuel poverty with the need to support landlords in making the necessary improvements to their properties.
Article Abridged from NetRent
Labour Confirms It’s EPC Category C for Rental Properties by 2030 – NetRent
The Housing Minister (Matthew Pennycook) has ruled out the introduction of rent controls in England.
The comments were made in a written response to a query from shadow housing secretary Kemi Badenoch, who asked if Labour had any plans to implement rent controls.
Here are the Housing Ministers comments;
“The Government does not support the introduction of rent controls. We have made clear that we intend to use the Renters’ Rights Bill to provide tenants with greater protections against unreasonable within-tenancy rent increases.”
Scotland introduced rent controls in October 2022 – Scotland’s experience with rent controls has been marked by a landlord exodus and shrinking rental availability. Wales is currently exploring similar measures, having launched a Green Paper titled ‘A Call for Evidence on Securing a Path towards Adequate Housing Including Fair Rents and Affordability’.
Article Abridged from NetRent
Government Rules Out Rent Controls for England – NetRent
The Bank of England has cut interest rates from 5.25% to 5%, the first drop since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.
