Lord Truscott

The Department is working closely with industry and Ofgem to reduce the proportion of smart meters not operating in smart mode. Data on this is included in the statistics the Government publishes every quarter on the progress of the smart metering rollout. These are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters-statistics and at Gov.UK. This shows that over 90% of smart meters are functioning in smart mode and that the proportion of meters operating in ‘traditional’ mode is steadily reducing. Smart meters operating in traditional mode continue to record energy usage accurately but do not send automatic readings to energy suppliers.

The Ministry of Justice currently publishes the annual number of prosecutions, convictions, and sentencing outcomes for non-payment of the TV licence fee as part of their criminal justice quarterly publications, which are available online. In 2023, the number of prosecutions for non-payment of the TV licence fee was 34,084.

As part of the next Charter Review, the government will engage with the BBC and others to consider how to ensure the BBC thrives well into the next decade and beyond. This will include discussions on a range of important issues, including future funding models for the BBC, and their enforcement.

In 2023 the Government consulted on a registration scheme for short-term lets. Parliament then legislated for such a scheme in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. We are committed to the introduction of such a scheme as soon as possible.

We are now in the initial phase of digital development, which will enable us to test and refine the possible options for design and delivery of the scheme. We will set out further detail on how the scheme will work as soon as practicable, including a full response to the consultation, as well as further information on the legislative process that will bring the scheme to life.

Short-term lets are an important part of what the UK offers visitors in terms of accommodation and the government recognises that they bring a range of benefits to the visitor economy.

The government wants people living in our major tourism destinations, especially in coastal and rural villages and towns, to benefit from a thriving tourism industry without losing the spirit of their community when the holiday season ends.

Parliament legislated for a registration scheme for short-term lets in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. This government is exploring the introduction of such a scheme.

We will not reverse the previous Government’s decision to cancel Phase 2 of HS2 and our primary focus is the safe delivery of HS2 between Birmingham and London at the lowest reasonable cost.

We are committed to a long-term approach to infrastructure and investment, taking account of local transport priorities. We will thoroughly review the fiscal position we have inherited before setting out more detailed plans for this in due course.

Private e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes and pavements, and rental e-scooters can only be used in national rental e-scooter trials.

However, it is lawful to sell e-scooters for use on private land as long as it is made clear to the buyer they cannot be used on the road.

As you will appreciate, the new Government is still in its early stages, and Ministers are carefully considering next steps and potential policy solutions for e-scooters.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will remove fixed-term assured tenancies. Fixed-term tenancies mean renters are obliged to pay rent regardless of whether a property is up-to-standard, and they reduce flexibility to move in response to changing circumstances. Instead all tenancies will be periodic, with tenants able to give two months’ notice at any point.

The Government submitted the Impact Assessment for the Renters’ Rights Bill on 16 September 2024 to the Regulatory Policy Committee. The Government will publish the impact assessment in due course.

Homelessness and rough sleeping levels in England are far too high. This has a devastating impact on those affected and harms our communities.

We must address this and deliver long-term solutions. The Government is considering these issues carefully and is committed to putting Britain back on track to ending homelessness. To do this we will develop a new cross-government strategy, working with mayors and councils across the country.

The Government will provide homeowners with greater rights, powers and protections over their homes. We are committed to implementing the provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. The Government is also committed to further reform the leasehold system, enacting the remaining Law Commission recommendations relating to leasehold enfranchisement and the Right to Manage.

We will enforce measures to prescribe the rates to be used in enfranchisement valuation calculations, which determine the cost leaseholders must pay to extend a lease or acquire a freehold. This will allow leaseholders to understand how much it will cost to extend their lease or purchase their freehold upfront.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are intended to provide prospective buyers and tenants with a guide to the energy costs of different properties, which is simple to understand and allows comparison between properties.

A standardised methodology is used in the assessments of EPCs. The current methodology can be found here. The software used to calculate EPC ratings in existing properties is the Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP).

Not all buildings are used in the same way, so the energy rating uses ‘standard occupancy’ assumptions which may be different from the way the building is used. We acknowledge that occupant behaviour is an important factor in determining the energy use of buildings. Encouraging occupants to use buildings more efficiently will be important in achieving the net zero target.

We recognise that whilst short-term lets and second homes can benefit the tourist economy, we need to protect local communities, including ensuring the availability of housing to rent or buy. We are currently considering how best to achieve these aims.

The Government is committed to supporting all parties to access justice when making or defending a possession claim through the county courts. To support this, HMCTS is developing a digital service for possession claims. Plans for the delivery of this service are currently under development.