Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Paragraph: 47
Furthermore, the Government must rapidly develop its data collection and records on the location of...
Recommendation
Furthermore, the Government must rapidly develop its data collection and records on the location of heat networks, and statistics about their use. Without a detailed understanding of how many heat networks are operational in the UK and where they 54 Decarbonising Heat in Homes are located, the Government cannot effectively regulate the use of heat networks. We recommend that the Government publish annual statistics about their use on its website.
Paragraph Reference:
47
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government will continue to make the case for moving quickly to Net Zero and expects social housing landlords to help tenants to understand why works are required to their homes and the benefits of the transition. The Heat and Buildings Strategy commits to considering a long-term regulatory standard to improve social housing to EPC band C, alongside measures to decarbonise the housing stock in line with emissions targets. The Government will consult the sector before setting any regulatory standard. To ensure a fair transition, funding is being targeted to support low income and fuel poor households, social housing tenants, and vulnerable consumers. The 2019 Conservative Manifesto committed to a £3.8 billion Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) over a 10-year period to improve the energy performance of social rented homes, on the pathway to Net Zero. The SHDF will upgrade a significant amount of the social housing stock currently below EPC C up to that standard, delivering warm, energy-efficient homes, reducing carbon emissions and fuel bills, tackling fuel poverty, and supporting green jobs. Just over £1 billion of funding has already been committed to the SHDF and associated demonstrator, representing a significant investment that will drive the decarbonisation agenda across this important sector. BEIS will build on this success by seeking to secure further funding in subsequent spending reviews. An initial £152 million of funding was granted in 2021/22 for the first phase of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) scheme, alongside a £287 million third tranche of Local Authority Delivery (LAD) funding, as part of the Sustainable Warmth competition. These schemes will support energy efficiency and low carbon heat upgrades to low-income households living in the least energy efficient homes. This support is available to homeowners and private landlords, with the latter required to provide at least a third of the upgrade cost. On 21st February 2022, the Government announced a further £67 million offered to successful local authorities to supplement funding under HUG phase one. Delivery will take place during the financial year 2022/23.