§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the approximate estimated saving of lowering the temperature standard in local authority accommodation of typical modern design specially designed for old people approved by his Department by 1°C (a) on the capital cost of heating equipment and (b) on the average annual running costs, assuming gas-fired central heating at current gas price levels.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe saving on the capital cost of heating equipment would not be significant. The running cost of a typical one-bedroom dwelling for old people is estimated at around £120 per annum, of which we would expect about £40 to be the fuel cost for space heating. On this basis a reduction of 1°C in the96W average running temperature could result in a saving of about £3 per annum. Occupiers do not, of course, necessarily operate a heating system at the design temperature but for reasons of health and comfort systems should be capable of achieving current design temperatures when necessary.