Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to support improved energy-efficiency in (a) newbuild homes, and (b) existing properties.

The Government’s Clean Growth Strategy, published in October 2017, sets out our ambitions for improving the energy performance of all buildings including new homes and existing properties.

Energy performance requirements for new homes in building regulations were most recently strengthened in 2010 and 2014. As a result of these changes home builders are required to deliver highly efficient homes that typically reduce energy bills by £200 a year, compared to homes built before 2010.

As part of this, and following the outcome of Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of Building Regulations and fire safety, we will consult on improving energy requirements for new homes and existing properties where the evidence suggests that there are cost effective and affordable opportunities, and it is safe and practical to do.