Written question WQ93723
- Asked by
- Siân GwenllianPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
Will the Welsh Government confirm what its policy is in terms of introducing requirements on landlords to ensure that their properties reach an energy performance certificate (EPC) score of C or more by 2030, following recent statements by the UK Government's Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning
The ability to introduce requirements on landlords for their properties reach an energy performance certificate (EPC) score of C or more by 2030 is a reserved power and therefore any changes undertaken by the UK Government will also apply to Wales.
We are supportive of increasing EPC requirements for the private rental sector and the strengthening of the minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES). We were disappointed when the previous UK Government lessened their climate change ambitions and back tracked on the proposal in 2023 and welcome discussions with the new UK Government on the topic.
Increasing minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes would lead to tenants in Wales living in better quality, healthier homes and a reduction in the cost of energy bills. This is critical for those most vulnerable in our communities to help tackle fuel poverty and improve wellbeing outcomes.
Raising EPC standards of privately rented homes to an EPC C or higher will help decarbonise Welsh homes which is an essential component for us to meet our targets of becoming net zero by 2050.