Councils warn of barriers to enforcement of energy efficiency standards in private rented sector
There are currently several barriers that need to be removed if councils are to be able to enforce minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector (PRS) effectively, the Local Government Association has warned.
In its submission to a Department for Energy and Net Zero’s consultation, which closed on 2 May, the LGA said: “Councils are not directly funded to undertake this work and as a result, levels of effective enforcement vary across the country. Given there will be a need to enforce enhanced MEES in PRS, councils must be funded appropriately if the threat of enforcement is to be sufficient. Reliable data available to councils is also currently insufficient and needs to be addressed."
It added: “Local authorities particularly, have spent considerable effort on delivering all the government schemes designed to improve the fabric energy efficiency of homes and public buildings and start to decarbonise domestic and public buildings. The Private Rented Sector now need to bring their housing stock up to a comparable level of energy efficiency to avoid a two-tier housing system.
“Energy bills remain twice as high as five years ago, and fuel poor households are least likely to afford DIY energy efficiency measures or have the agency if in the private rented sector, but they are most likely to be impacted by fluctuating energy prices. This has widespread impact, on individual budgets, wider economy and increased strain to an already overburdened health system.”
The LGA added: “The cheapest, and lowest carbon energy is the energy you don’t need and don’t use. Fabric first should be retained as governments leading policy position as it supports energy security ambitions, reduces cost and increases thermal comfort, which in turn supports healthy living which reduces adult and child social costs including healthcare costs. Focus should be on the low-cost measures with the quickest payback such as loft insulation.”
Earlier this month the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) urged the Government to increase local authority capacity when it comes to enforcement of energy efficiency regulations affecting the PRS.
CIH said it is critical that local authorities are provided with the long-term, ring-fenced funding they require to undertake their enforcement duties.
