§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve the energy efficiency standards of homes. [14861]
§ Angela EagleThe Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 requires local authorities to implement strategies for improving domestic energy efficiency in all sectors by 30 per cent. over a 10–15 year period. The Government and Energy Saving Trust will continue to support them in this through pump-priming assistance for innovative approaches, and through disseminating advice and best practice. The Trust has also established an energy efficiency programme, involving all sectors of the industry in providing financial incentives, information and advice for householders, and a comprehensive training package for installers and retailers.
Over 2.5 million low-income, disabled and elderly households have been helped to improve their homes through grants under the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. We will continue to build on this in tackling fuel poverty through a range of policies. Energy conservation has been specified as a priority area in the design of the Environmental Task Force option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds, and in the capital receipts initiative for local authorities.
Our current review of the Housing Fitness Standard includes consideration of how best to incorporate energy efficiency requirements. We have also just initiated a review of Part L of the Building Regulations, which deals with energy efficiency of new homes. The aim of the review is to establish the maximum possible contribution that can be made by the Regulations to the Government's target of a 20 per cent. reduction on 1990 levels of CO2 emissions by the year 2010, whilst observing proportionality and flexibility for designers, and avoiding 137W unreasonable technical risks or excessive cost. The review will be wide ranging, encompassing not just homes, but non-domestic buildings as well.