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Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill

I welcome new clause 5. There is clear evidence from the Building Research Establishment that most new homes do not comply with the current building regulations. As we raise standards—regrettably, not fast enough or far enough—the risk will increase, as will the need for effective enforcement. I am pleased that the Minister has proposed these measures. As we heard from the hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory Barker), in Committee her Department was subjected to sustained criticism from me, among others, because of its unambitious approach to the implementation of effective building regulations and improvements in energy efficiency and conservation, not just in the housing sector but throughout the built environment. I hope that, having taken this important step, the Minister will take a second look at the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004, which I was fortunate enough to promote successfully in the House. The Act proposes that a responsible and accountable person should carry the can for compliance with regulations in the case of each building project. Enforcement becomes a great deal easier if someone on the contracting side is responsible for compliance. I also welcome new clause 6, which gives the Government a duty to report. I hope that it will give Parliament an opportunity to remind the Minister annually that we still think she has not done enough to bring this part of her Department’s work under control.