Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Clarify Government intention to expand Building Regulations Part O to cover property refurbishments.
Recommendation
We support the extension of Part O of the Building Regulations not only to cover material changes of use to residential, but also for refurbishments of existing properties. We recommend that the Government clarify whether it is intended that Part O of the Building Regulations be expanded to refurbishments. If that is indeed the case, we recommend that Ministers, in their response to this report, set out when, and by what mechanism, this is to be achieved. If it is not the case, we recommend that Ministers explain how the UK is to achieve Commitment M5 of the Global Cooling Pledge. (Paragraph 54) 38 Heat resilience and sustainable cooling
Government response summary AI-generated
The government highlights existing and recently extended funding schemes for retrofitting existing buildings, including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a new local authority retrofit scheme, and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. DESNZ is also conducting research to support the development of policy levers to adapt the UK's building stock for thermal comfort.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
As part of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards consultation, we are running a call for evidence on Part O. One of the questions posed in this call for evidence is whether Part O should apply when there is a material change of use (i.e., a conversion). We are using this call for evidence to better understand any omissions or issues with Part O. Responses will then be used to inform and prioritise reviews and updates to different elements of Part O.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗