Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Not Addressed
The Department did not set out to use the Programme to advance the government’s net...
Conclusion
The Department did not set out to use the Programme to advance the government’s net zero objectives. The Department and Homes England did not include any specific targets around net-zero for the 2021 programme. Instead, housing providers must comply with existing and future environmental standards set out in the planning design guide and building standards.47 The Department said it expects that housing providers will follow the national design code. Homes England said that the overwhelming majority of homes under the 2016 programme will get an energy performance certificate of B, C or better.48
Government Response Summary
The government will explore the cost and deliverability of additional net zero requirements for a successor programme, while noting existing steps taken in the 2021 programme.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
5. PAC conclusion: New homes built under the Programme may need expensive retrofitting to meet net-zero standards in the future. 5. PAC recommendation: The Department should clearly set out the impact of including net-zero requirements in the next iteration of the Programme. 5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Spring 2024 5.2 The government agrees to exploring the cost and deliverability of additional net zero requirements at the point that ministers consider options for a successor programme. 5.3 However, the government notes that it has already taken steps to ensure that house building under the 2021 programme supports net zero objectives. The 2021 programme incorporated the National Model Design Code standard, The code sets out design considerations which local planning authorities will be expected to take into account, including recommendations on sustainability and energy efficiency. This has incentivised providers to build homes to increasingly higher environmental standards that actively respond to the changing climate. All Strategic Partners for the 2021 programme were awarded funding on the basis of their commitment to the code. 5.4 Homes delivered through the 2021 programme will also have to meet existing and future building regulations; this includes the Future Homes Standard when it comes into force.