Strengthen local authority capacity to enforce PRS energy efficiency regulations, says Chartered Institute of Housing

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has urged the Government to increase local authority capacity when it comes to enforcement of energy efficiency regulations affecting the private rented sector (PRS).

The call came in CIH’s response to a Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) consultation. 

The Chartered Institute said it broadly welcomed and supported the Government’s proposals, “which will ensure that private renters can live in homes that are warm, safe, and cheaper to heat and power”. 

However, it argued that improved local authority enforcement capacity would be “vital” for ensuring the regulations are complied with.

CIH added: “The new government has taken several welcome steps to put local authority finances on a more stable footing, but this is unlikely to be sufficient to make sure they can properly enforce the proposed standards. 

“It is critical that local authorities are provided with the long-term, ring-fenced funding they require to undertake their enforcement duties.”

Policy manager Matthew Scott said: “Private renters are far more likely to live in homes that are cold and unaffordable to heat, with over a fifth of all private renters living in fuel poverty. CIH warmly welcomes the proposed introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector, which we have advocated for across many years. 

“To ensure the proposals are successful, it is vital that local authorities are provided with the funding they need to proactively enforce the standards. For the vast majority of good private landlords, enforcement will not be necessary, but it is important that local authorities are fully resourced to act where it is needed.”