Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Homes: Climate Standards

Monday 29 November 2021 · 7 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government aims to reduce carbon emissions from homes through the future homes standard, set to deliver a 75% CO2 reduction by 2025.
  • Government has committed 3.9 billion to the social housing decarbonisation fund and 450 million to the boiler upgrade scheme.
  • Government is providing funding through the help to build scheme to assist people in building greener homes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Housing Climate
Context

Concerns about energy efficiency in homes contributing to high carbon emissions.

Question

I am concerned that many homes do not meet high climate standards. What steps is the government taking to ensure all homes reach these standards?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

We welcome attention to this issue. Homes are major sources of emissions, and we aim to reduce carbon they generate through the heat and buildings strategy. The future homes standard will deliver a 75% CO2 reduction compared with current standards from 2025. An interim uplift is planned before end of year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific funding details or timelines for interim uplift.

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Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Housing Energy Environment
Context

Cost of living crisis affecting families, increasing demand for energy-efficient home solutions.

Question

The cost of living is rising, making a retrofit programme essential. However, the Government's heat and buildings strategy seems inadequate. Will the government commit to Labour's 10-year plan investing £6 billion annually in home insulation and zero-carbon heating?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

I acknowledge local council efforts towards net-zero targets. The Government has committed £3.9 billion to the social housing decarbonisation fund and £450 million to the boiler upgrade scheme, enabling property owners to replace boilers with carbon-efficient alternatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to Labour's 10-year plan investment of £6 billion annually.

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Q3 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Economy Housing Environment
Context

Significant investment needed to meet energy performance targets, but local authorities face financial challenges.

Question

There is a significant funding gap to meet housing investment requirements. Local authorities have had more than half their funding cut over the last decade. How are they expected to fund this required investment?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

Many local authorities are already making progress towards net-zero targets. The UK100 network includes councils committed to achieving carbon neutrality, such as Jarrow's commitment for 2030.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the funding gap or financial challenges faced by local authorities.

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Q4 Richard Bacon Con
Housing Environment
Context

Evidence shows that self-commissioned homes meet higher environmental standards.

Question

What plans do Ministers have to make it easier for ordinary people to get serviced plots of land to build greener houses?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

My hon. Friend is a frequent champion in this area, and we are providing funding through the help to build scheme to assist people in building greener homes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or details on facilitation of home commissioning.

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Q5 Siobhan Baillie
Housing Climate
Context

Stroud residents concerned about the consultation process for new net-zero homes and overdevelopment.

Question

There is unrest about local plans, especially regarding net-zero homes not being built and mass development in Sharpness. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss these issues?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

I am the Minister for Housing, but if not appropriate, I will ask my right hon. Friend to meet her instead.

Not addressed: Changed subject from consultation process issues to identifying correct ministerial meeting.

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Q6 Lucy Powell Labour (Co-op) Manchester Central
Housing Energy
Context

Criticism over scrapped zero carbon homes policy and abandoned green home grants, leading to higher energy costs.

Question

The Government's actions on sustainable housing have led to increased bills and future retrofitting costs. Will the Minister adopt Labour's plans for a national mission to retrofit every home that needs it?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

This Government already has a good plan, including significant investment through initiatives like the boiler upgrade scheme with £450 million committed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to Labour's plans for national retrofit programme without delay.

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Q7 Michael Fabricant Con
Energy Environment
Context

Advantages of ground and air heat pumps for home retrofitting.

Question

What encouragement can the Government give to retrofit existing homes with heat pumps, especially considering smaller buildings?

Answer from Eddie Hughes

I visited the Grey Mare Lane estate in Beswick where heat pumps are being fitted through the social housing decarbonisation fund demonstrator. This will help see how people benefit from these measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific encouragement for retrofitting existing homes with heat pumps.

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