Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Accepted in Part
The Department told us that it could have set higher standards from the outset for...
Recommendation
The Department told us that it could have set higher standards from the outset for net- zero, but that doing so would likely reduce the number of homes delivered. We challenged the Department on this assertion, because it had not modelled the extent to which it might have been reduced. The Department replied that it ‘was probably not exactly where it wanted to be,’ at the end of the 2021 programme but will be better in the future.49
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
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.