House of Commons · Bill Debate
24 March 2023 · 3 other contributors
Opened by Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Sarah Olney raised concerns about the homes (energy efficiency) bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves the amendment to set out a legislative roadmap to upgrade homes to energy performance certificate band C by 2033. Criticises current government policy as failing and cites statistics on greenhouse gas emissions and inefficient housing stock. Emphasises health impacts, cost savings for tenants, economic benefits of improved efficiency, and urgent need for action due to volatile global energy markets.
Welcomes government funding for decarbonisation in social housing but questions where the cost of decarbonisation in private-owned non-mortgaged properties will fall. Supports the bill's aim despite acknowledging challenges.
Raises concerns about planning rules preventing modification and adaptation of listed buildings for efficiency improvements, questioning if easing of conservation rules is needed to reduce costs. Acknowledges the need for energy efficiency but emphasises the importance of preserving historical structures.
Acknowledges that parts of the market are improving organically without state intervention. Raises concerns about trust in government programmes, citing examples where state funding has not delivered expected outcomes.