Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2009. It was answered by John Healey (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 September 2009 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Housing: Energy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many energy performance certificates have been issued by local authorities in respect of privately-rented properties in each year since their introduction; what recent progress has been made in increasing the energy efficiency of buildings; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/991) ("the 2007 regulations") require the seller, prospective landlord or builder of a property to make an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) available to a prospective buyer or tenant whenever a building in England or Wales is sold, constructed or rented out. Local authorities are not therefore expected to issue EPCs in respect of privately rented properties.The Heat and Energy Saving Strategy consultation paper (HESS), published in February this year, sets out the combination of measures the Government have adopted and proposes for increasing the energy efficiency of existing homes, including targeted help to households on using energy better, insulating their homes, accessing low carbon heat and power, and reducing their fuel bills. The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan (UKLCTP), publish on 15 July, also sets out the route to cut emissions by 34 per cent. in comparison to 1990 levels by 2020. Consultation on the HESS has now been completed and the final policy proposals will be published later this year.

Secondary information