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My Lords, I cannot compete with the noble Earl, Lord Devon. First of all, I declare my farming interests in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire, and my receipt of delinked payments.
The first Lord Carrington, the third Lord Carrington and the sixth Lord Carrington were all Ministers of agriculture. The most famous of...
My Lords, I cannot compete with the noble Earl, Lord Devon. First of all, I declare my farming interests in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire, and my receipt of delinked payments.
The first Lord Carrington, the third Lord Carrington and the sixth Lord Carrington were all Ministers of agriculture. The most famous of...
My Lords, I declare my interests in the private rented sector, with cottage lettings in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Sadly, there is not just the current delay of up to 15 months in the court granting a repossession; there is then an additional delay of up to seven or eight month waiting
for a bailiff to carry out the eviction. What plans do the Government have to improve the bailiff service? A further point is the bankruptcy service’s increased granting of a breathing space to enable the tenant to put his affairs in order, though there is no consultation with the landlord on this. This can result in a further two-month delay in obtaining possession, along with the time necessary to appoint a bailiff. Is this the level playing field promised by the Government?
My Lords, I declare my interests in the private rented sector, with cottage lettings in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Sadly, there is not just the current delay of up to 15 months in the court granting a repossession; there is then an additional delay of up to seven or eight month waiting
for a bailiff to carry out the eviction. What plans do the Government have to improve the bailiff service? A further point is the bankruptcy service’s increased granting of a breathing space to enable the tenant to put his affairs in order, though there is no consultation with the landlord on this. This can result in a further two-month delay in obtaining possession, along with the time necessary to appoint a bailiff. Is this the level playing field promised by the Government?
I do not think we should exaggerate the situation as it currently stands. The Ministry of Justice quarterly possession statistics show that median timeliness for claim to order is 7.3 weeks and that the median average time from landlord claim to repossession is 27 weeks. However, not all landlords will experience the whole court process. Of the landlord possession claims issued in 2024, only 28% progressed to the stage where bailiff enforcement was necessary. Bailiffs are responsible for a range of sensitive work. HM Courts & Tribunals Service is working to make sure that the timeliness of bailiff enforcement is improved.
My Lords, I declare my farming interests in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire. I very much welcome the announcement on SFI support for smaller farms, although I have many of the same reservations as the noble Lord, Lord Colgrain. However, does the Minister recognise that the proposed 62% rise in electricity standing charges in April, which already accounts for 60% of energy bills, will drive food inflation and dramatically affect the competitiveness of intensive farming and horticulture, which are already facing imports of products grown to lower standards overseas? Do these sectors remain a priority for the Secretary of State for Defra?
My Lords, I declare my farming interests in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire. I very much welcome the announcement on SFI support for smaller farms, although I have many of the same reservations as the noble Lord, Lord Colgrain. However, does the Minister recognise that the proposed 62% rise in electricity standing charges in April, which already accounts for 60% of energy bills, will drive food inflation and dramatically affect the competitiveness of intensive farming and horticulture, which are already facing imports of products grown to lower standards overseas? Do these sectors remain a priority for the Secretary of State for Defra?
The noble Lord raises a really important point. There are a number of challenges for farming around things such as electricity prices, and oil is now being affected by the ongoing war. We are critically aware of that. It is not just farming; there are a number of industries where these kinds of pressures are going to be challenging. One thing that we are doing in Defra is trying to work these issues through. My colleague, Angela Eagle MP, who is the Farming Minister, is talking regularly to farmers about these issues. We have to look at how we can support and manage these kinds of challenges.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero collects and records data on minimum energy efficiency standards exemptions relating to leaseholder or third-party consent.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero collects and records data on minimum energy efficiency standards exemptions relating to leaseholder or third-party consent.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero collects and records data on all minimum energy efficiency standards exemptions through the Exemptions Register service.
To ask His Majesty's Government how many exemptions have been registered under the minimum energy efficiency standards regulations; and how many officials are responsible for assessing and approving these exemptions.
To ask His Majesty's Government how many exemptions have been registered under the minimum energy efficiency standards regulations; and how many officials are responsible for assessing and approving these exemptions.
As of the end of January 2026, there were a total of 22,774 exemptions registered on the service, of which 10,519 were still active. Local authorities are the enforcement authority for the regulations, the Department has no role in assessing exemptions.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of minimum energy efficiency standards exemptions relating to leaseholder or third-party consent on progress towards improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of minimum energy efficiency standards exemptions relating to leaseholder or third-party consent on progress towards improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector.
The impact assessment published alongside the government response to the improving the energy performance of privately rented homes consultation contains information on the expected impact of third party consent exemptions on improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector. The treatment of exemptions in the PRS MEES modelling is found in the attached table.
Table - Treatment of exemptions in the PRS MEES modelling
Exemption | Treatment in modelling |
High-Cost exemption | Modelled: If the cost of making even the cheapest improvement exceeds the cost cap, we do not upgrade a property. |
All Relevant Improvements Made exemption | Modelled: If no relevant improvements can be made then no improvements are made in the modelling. |
Cost Cap exemption | Modelled: Where landlords install measures and hit the cost cap before reaching MEES, the model stops upgrading the property. |
Property Value Adjustment exemption (affordability exemption) | Not modelled: This exemption allows landlords of properties valued below £100,000 to work to a cost cap that is 10% of the property’s value. The NBM does not contain property prices to allow robust modelling of the exemption. |
Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) exemption | Modelled: For simplicity, we assume all landlords who can take advantage of this exemption do so (there may in reality be a small number of landlords who still wish to install SWI). Thus, our modelling results do not include SWI. |
Negative Impacts exemption | Not modelled: We do not account for specific cases where a measure is recommended on an EPC, but determined to negatively impact a property or its value through some other assessment. |
Third-Party Consent exemption | Partially modelled: We do account for in-situ tenants not consenting to improvements at a rate of 10%. However, we do not account for refused consent from other third parties, including superior landlords (freeholders) and local authorities through planning permission processes. |
New landlord exemption | Not modelled: We do not account for property transfers, but given new landlords exemptions only last for 6 months this will not significantly affect modelling results |
To ask His Majesty's Government what preparations they are making to manage any increase in applications for leaseholder and third-party consent exemptions ahead of the proposed changes to the minimum energy efficiency standards; and what assessment they have made of the prevalence of freeholder refusal of consent for energy efficiency...
To ask His Majesty's Government what preparations they are making to manage any increase in applications for leaseholder and third-party consent exemptions ahead of the proposed changes to the minimum energy efficiency standards; and what assessment they have made of the prevalence of freeholder refusal of consent for energy efficiency...
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero provides an Exemptions Register to enable landlords to register exemptions. The Exemptions Register has sufficient capacity to handle an increase in exemption registrations.
The impact assessment published alongside the government response to the ‘Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes’ consultation contains information on expected prevalence of exemptions, and information on treatment of exemptions in the modelling can be found in the attached table.
Table - Treatment of exemptions in the PRS MEES modelling
Exemption | Treatment in modelling |
High-Cost exemption | Modelled: If the cost of making even the cheapest improvement exceeds the cost cap, we do not upgrade a property. |
All Relevant Improvements Made exemption | Modelled: If no relevant improvements can be made then no improvements are made in the modelling. |
Cost Cap exemption | Modelled: Where landlords install measures and hit the cost cap before reaching MEES, the model stops upgrading the property. |
Property Value Adjustment exemption (affordability exemption) | Not modelled: This exemption allows landlords of properties valued below £100,000 to work to a cost cap that is 10% of the property’s value. The NBM does not contain property prices to allow robust modelling of the exemption. |
Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) exemption | Modelled: For simplicity, we assume all landlords who can take advantage of this exemption do so (there may in reality be a small number of landlords who still wish to install SWI). Thus, our modelling results do not include SWI. |
Negative Impacts exemption | Not modelled: We do not account for specific cases where a measure is recommended on an EPC, but determined to negatively impact a property or its value through some other assessment. |
Third-Party Consent exemption | Partially modelled: We do account for in-situ tenants not consenting to improvements at a rate of 10%. However, we do not account for refused consent from other third parties, including superior landlords (freeholders) and local authorities through planning permission processes. |
New landlord exemption | Not modelled: We do not account for property transfers, but given new landlords exemptions only last for 6 months this will not significantly affect modelling results |
My Lords, I declare my interest in the private rented sector in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
The Minister refers to the Renters’ Rights Act as producing better conditions in the private rented sector. Surely, this very much depends on the ongoing consultation on the home energy model methodology for assessing existing dwellings and producing new energy performance certificate metrics. I gather that this will conclude at the end of March. Will the Government commit to publishing their response and
detailed guidance within six months of this date, so that landlords can have the clarity and confidence to prepare and budget for the necessary improvements?
My Lords, I declare my interest in the private rented sector in Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
The Minister refers to the Renters’ Rights Act as producing better conditions in the private rented sector. Surely, this very much depends on the ongoing consultation on the home energy model methodology for assessing existing dwellings and producing new energy performance certificate metrics. I gather that this will conclude at the end of March. Will the Government commit to publishing their response and
detailed guidance within six months of this date, so that landlords can have the clarity and confidence to prepare and budget for the necessary improvements?
If the noble Lord is referring to the minimum energy efficiency standards implementation, we have published our response to the consultation on those standards in the private rented sector. We have listened to the voices from across that sector. The response confirmed our decision to set new regulations in the private rented sector for landlords to meet EPC C or equivalent by 1 October 2030 for all tenancies unless a valid exemption applies. The consultation also confirmed that landlords will not be required to spend more than £10,000 per property. Exemptions will last for 10 years.
My Lords, among other important issues, the 2025 national security strategy highlights the need to ensure our supply chains, energy and critical goods. However, the significance of homegrown timber is overlooked, despite the fact that it was declared an essential industry during the Covid pandemic. As we have heard, timber products are vital to construction, infrastructure, housing and logistics. Please can the Minister confirm that timber is now recognised as vital to national security?
My Lords, among other important issues, the 2025 national security strategy highlights the need to ensure our supply chains, energy and critical goods. However, the significance of homegrown timber is overlooked, despite the fact that it was declared an essential industry during the Covid pandemic. As we have heard, timber products are vital to construction, infrastructure, housing and logistics. Please can the Minister confirm that timber is now recognised as vital to national security?
As I mentioned earlier, we do not think the amount of imported timber is the way forward, and we have to change that. The noble Lord said that 10% is homegrown; our figures are that 80% is imported. It is important that we look at how best to turn that around. Importing huge amounts of end-product is not good for our national security, so it is important that we look at how we increase homegrown timber.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will consider mandatory training regarding flammable refrigerants as part of the hydrofluorocarbons phasedown.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will consider mandatory training regarding flammable refrigerants as part of the hydrofluorocarbons phasedown.
F-gas regulatory changes, such as training and certification, are out of the scope of the hydrofluorocarbon phasedown consultation but their importance in delivery of the phasedown is recognised. The UK Government, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments, is committed to further exploring other areas for F-gas reform.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the requirements for the training and certification of technicians in the use of alternative products during the planned transition away from fluorinated gases.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the requirements for the training and certification of technicians in the use of alternative products during the planned transition away from fluorinated gases.
F-gas regulatory changes, such as training and certification, are out of the scope of the hydrofluorocarbon phasedown consultation but their importance in delivery of the phasedown is recognised. The UK Government, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments, is committed to further exploring other areas for F-gas reform.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will meet with manufacturers from the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industries to discuss their proposed hydrofluorocarbons phasedown schedule.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will meet with manufacturers from the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industries to discuss their proposed hydrofluorocarbons phasedown schedule.
Officials have been in regular contact with sector representatives during the current consultation on reforming the hydrofluorocarbon phasedown and before it. They welcome further discussions as part of ongoing engagement with the sector.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the F gas regulation in Great Britain consultation allows industry sufficient time to carry out safety checks on alternative gases.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the F gas regulation in Great Britain consultation allows industry sufficient time to carry out safety checks on alternative gases.
The consultation on reforming the hydrofluorocarbon phasedown seeks views from respondents about potential wider impacts from the proposal. We will take into account responses to those views when making decisions following the consultation.
My Lords, I too am very grateful for the opportunity to speak in this debate. I must also say that I am the second barrel to the gun of the noble Baroness, Lady Shephard. As the subject is almost completely dependent on a strong and stable farming industry, I will...
My Lords, I too am very grateful for the opportunity to speak in this debate. I must also say that I am the second barrel to the gun of the noble Baroness, Lady Shephard. As the subject is almost completely dependent on a strong and stable farming industry, I will...
To ask His Majesty's Government why they do not plan to achieve the targets set out in the Clean Energy Jobs Plan before the proposed dates for meeting the minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector.
To ask His Majesty's Government why they do not plan to achieve the targets set out in the Clean Energy Jobs Plan before the proposed dates for meeting the minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector.
The Clean Energy Jobs Plan sets out the workforce needed to deliver our clean energy ambitions and how the government will work in partnership with industry and trade unions to deliver it. As outlined in the plan, the Government will shortly be bringing forward the Warm Homes Plan. This plan will detail initiatives specifically designed to facilitate growth of the retrofit supply chain.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the National Audit Office report Energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation, published on 14 October (HC 1334), what steps they will take to ensure that lessons are learned from existing government energy efficiency schemes before extending similar measures to the rented housing...
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the National Audit Office report Energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation, published on 14 October (HC 1334), what steps they will take to ensure that lessons are learned from existing government energy efficiency schemes before extending similar measures to the rented housing...
Lessons learned from ECO and related schemes will be utilised in the design of any future schemes to ensure high-quality delivery and clear accountability, with focus on streamlining processes and improving consumer outcomes.
The upcoming Warm Homes Plan will outline reforms to simplify the consumer protection landscape, strengthen installation standards, and ensure swift remediation and redress for consumers.
To ask His Majesty's Government what action they will take to ensure that all properties affected by defects under the Great British Insulation Scheme and the Energy Company Obligation scheme are remediated promptly and safely.
To ask His Majesty's Government what action they will take to ensure that all properties affected by defects under the Great British Insulation Scheme and the Energy Company Obligation scheme are remediated promptly and safely.
Due to the level of non-compliance in EWI, the Government is offering audits to all households where External Wall Insulation (EWI) was installed under ECO4 or GBIS.
If non-compliance is found, the original installer is responsible for the cost of putting the work right. Should the installer have ceased to trade, the protections under the 25-year guarantee can be invoked.
Checks across all measures under ECO4 and GBIS, will continue to be carried out by TrustMark and certification bodies as part of routine surveillance.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the availability of qualified tradespeople to meet proposals for the energy efficiency requirements of private rented housing.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the availability of qualified tradespeople to meet proposals for the energy efficiency requirements of private rented housing.
Government recently consulted on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation included proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030 and was accompanied by the Department’s options assessment. A government response to the consultation and further impact assessment will be published in due course. The Government’s Warm Homes Plan will also include further initiatives to facilitate the creation of high quality, well-paid, and future proofed jobs in the retrofit sector.
To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they are introducing to improve accountability, transparency and consumer protection in publicly funded energy efficiency schemes, in the light of the National Audit Office report Energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation, published on 14 October (HC 1334).
To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they are introducing to improve accountability, transparency and consumer protection in publicly funded energy efficiency schemes, in the light of the National Audit Office report Energy efficiency installations under the Energy Company Obligation, published on 14 October (HC 1334).
The Government has taken decisive action to protect consumers, including:
- Greater oversight of TrustMark’s operations through a Memorandum of Understanding and the appointment of a Departmental board observer,
- PAS 2035/2030:2023 introduced requirements for Retrofit Coordinators to conduct site visits and raised qualifications standards for Retrofit Designers,
- Certification bodies agreed installers should hold one PAS 2030 certification per measure, improving accountability,
- Continued PAS 2035/2030 standards sponsorship, with the British Standards Institution reviewing further improvements.
The Department will also be offering an on-site audit to all households that received external wall insulation under ECO4 and GBIS. Where issues are found, remediation will be at no cost to the consumer, with installers responsible for repairs.
The Department is conducting a comprehensive overhaul of the consumer protection system, with reforms to be outlined in the Warm Homes Plan.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to strengthen oversight and governance in future energy efficiency programmes.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to strengthen oversight and governance in future energy efficiency programmes.
The Government has taken decisive action to protect consumers, strengthen oversight and standards, including:
- Greater oversight of TrustMark’s operations through a Memorandum of Understanding and the appointment of a Departmental board observer,
- PAS 2035/2030:2023 introduced requirements for Retrofit Coordinators to conduct site visits and raised qualifications standards for Retrofit Designers,
- Certification bodies agreed installers should hold one PAS 2030 certification per measure, improving accountability,
- Continued PAS 2035/2030 standards sponsorship, with the British Standards Institution reviewing further improvements.
Further improvements will be outlined in the Warm Homes Plan.