9th Report - Heatwaves: adapting to climate change

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government accepts several recommendations, such as the ministerial lead on climate-related health risks and the single adverse weather plan, but partially accepts others and does not plan to set a maximum workplace temperature.

• On a year-round alerting system, the government accepts the recommendation and says the new single adverse weather and health plan will "create a year-round alerting service". A DHSC evaluation of the current Heatwave Plan is due to report in November 2018.
• On NHS heatwave planning, it "partially accepts" the recommendation, noting that the Heatwave Plan recommendations "are not mandatory". It says NHS Trusts must report annually on heatwave preparation.
• On new buildings, MHCLG "will consult on a method for reducing overheating risk in new homes" alongside its review of Building Regulations energy efficiency standards, and "will consult on any changes to the Green Deal in due course".
• The government gives its reasons for declining to set a maximum workplace temperature: employers already have a legal duty to provide a "reasonable" temperature. It says the Department for Education "will work with" Public Health England "with a view to" publishing guidance on safe school temperatures.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error