Low-traffic neighbourhoods face a ban and landlords will get longer to meet energy efficiency targets as ministers retreat on “costly and unpopular” green policies. Rishi Sunak is planning to hold firm on net-zero goals while delaying or ditching a host of measures that would impose direct costs on consumers, as he comes under pressure from the right of his party to rethink Britain’s climate commitments. – The Times

Comment:

iHowz welcome the update confirming the delay on likely government implementation of updated EPC requirements for the PRS.

Although the delay will be viewed as a common sense decision at a time when cost of living and finance costs are major concerns for the sector, iHowz will be pushing the government to publish their plans, as the lack of any clear plans does nothing to resolve the uncertainty regarding what will be required. Without the new SAP methodology and MEES requirement, landlords remain reluctant to make improvements, fearing that the works could prove inappropriate (to secure an improved EPC rating) or cost caps may exclude previous expenditure.