| answer text |
<p>The Government’s ambition is for as many homes as possible reach EPC Band C by
2035, where practical, cost-effective and affordable. The UK has already made good
progress in improving the energy performance of its homes, with 40% of homes in England
now at Energy Performance Ratings (EPC) Band C or above, up from just 9% in 2008.</p><p>
</p><p>In order to support further improvements to homes, the Government is:</p><ol><li>Consulting
on phasing in higher minimum performance standards to ensure all homes meet EPC Band
C by 2035, where cost-effective, practical and affordable. In setting standards, BEIS
is taking account of where properties face practical constraints to making improvements.
For example, in the Private Rented Sector minimum standard regulations, there is already
a range of exemptions where necessary consent for improvements cannot be obtained
from third parties, where particular measures may have a negative impact on a property,
or where all recommended measures have been carried out.</li><li>Providing further
targeted funding for improvements, focussed in particular on fuel poor and low-income
households. The Government’s Heat and Building Strategy announced £3.9 billion of
new funding which will fund the next three years of investment through Social Housing
Decarbonisation Fund, the Home Upgrade Grant scheme, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and
the Heat Networks Transformation Programme.</li><li>Supporting consumer action through,
for example:<ul><li>Providing tailored advice and information to homeowners on making
improvements to their properties, through our Simple Energy Advice service which has
been used by over 1.5 million users to date;</li><li>Ensuring work can be carried
out to a good standard, by working with industry to agree appropriate technical standards
(eg. PAS 2035) and consumer protections through Trustmark registration;</li><li>Catalysing
low-cost green home finance to help homeowners make improvements by working with lenders,
and through innovation funding for new green finance products.</li></ul></li></ol>
|
|
