§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what actions he is proposing to take with respect to the proportion of dwellings which are not physically capable of being made energy efficient at reasonable cost. [5152]
§ Mr. RaynsfordHousing authorities and other owners are responsible for determining the best course of action in respect of least energy efficient housing. This requires balanced judgements to be made about energy efficiency improvements having regard to costs and other physical and social factors. The English House Condition Survey indicated that for most dwellings, including many of those not capable of being brought up to current building regulation standards, improvement to a more moderate level of energy efficiency is likely to be the most cost effective course. Under my Department's Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme guidance is given to housing professionals, housing authorities and others on cost effective energy efficiency measures that can be undertaken in a variety of housing situations.