Speaking at the Labour conference, Ed Miliband pledged to make all socially and privately rented homes more energy efficient
Ed Miliband spoke at the Labour Party conference, expanding on their manifesto’s aim to increase the number of energy efficient homes in the private rental sector.
Under current legislation, landlords are free to rent out homes as long as they meet the absolute minimum energy efficiency standards, an EPC rating of E.
Making all social housing energy efficient
At the conference, Ed Miliband said: “We all know that the poorest people in our country often live in cold, draughty homes. ..this government will not tolerate this injustice and we will end it.
“We will go further and faster than promised in our manifesto: ensuring every rented home reaches decent standards of energy efficiency.”
Under the proposed legislation, social and private rent homes will be required to meet an EPC rating of C before they can be rented out.
Landlords will face the pressure
Rebecca Arsmtrong, CEO of Making Energy Greener, said:
“I am very happy to hear that the government is finally putting pressure on landlords to improve the energy performance of their properties. Far too often, vulnerable people are left living in poorly heated, damp homes, which can have a serious impact on their health and well-being. The new standard of an EPC rating of C by 2030 is a crucial step in pushing up standards across private and social rented properties, helping to ensure that tenants have homes that are warmer, healthier, and more affordable to live in.
“We must ensure that landlords are fully aware of the schemes and funding available to support them through this transition. Initiatives like ECO4, GBIS, and the new Warm Homes Grant will all play a vital role in helping landlords meet these targets without bearing the full financial burden, making it easier to upgrade properties and improve living standards for everyone involved.
“We have also been eagerly awaiting more details about the much-anticipated Warm Homes Grant, and it’s exciting to hear that the scheme will target 1 million homes a year over the next five years. With its focus on insulation, draft-proofing, windows, storm doors, low-carbon heating, and solar panels, this initiative offers vital support to households that are facing the impossible choice between heating their homes or putting food on the table.
“Running alongside GBIS and ECO4, the Warm Homes Grant will significantly extend the reach of support to those struggling the most, while also contributing to the UK’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. It’s a massive task for Local Authorities to manage, and companies like MEG are well positioned to help them deliver PAS-compliant installations efficiently. We’re here to help make this ambitious program a success and ensure that more homes across the UK become warmer, safer, and more energy-efficient.”
