Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 19 October 2017 to Question 106663, on energy: housing, what discussions he has had with operators of existing trader quality mark schemes on the introduction of the Each Home Counts quality mark.

Answer (Claire Perry)

Each Home Counts was an independent review, which reported in December 2016. The majority of the recommendations, including creation of a quality mark, were directed at industry rather than Government, and it is for industry to propose how it will be implemented.

As stated in the review’s report, the intention of the quality mark is to bring better clarity and protection to all those operating in the sector, and to those benefiting from energy efficiency and renewable energy measures, as well as to simplify the landscape and seek to remove complexity and bureaucracy for businesses wherever possible. It is also intended to provide consumers with confidence in the benefits they will receive from having measures installed in their homes and in the quality of the advice they receive on energy saving measures and their installation.

As there is no regulatory requirement Government does not plan to conduct a dedicated economic impact assessment for Each Home Counts.

Ministers have not had discussions with existing providers of quality marks or other schemes on the introduction of the Each Home Counts quality mark, but officials have participated in discussions with the Implementation Board, which operates on a voluntary basis, and a number of stakeholders including businesses and trade bodies.