Oral Answers to Questions

Neil Parish Excerpts

Tuesday 23rd March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Amanda Solloway]

Just to reiterate, we have been holding clear consultations with a group of stakeholders and ACAS has been conducting this for us. We will be republishing the report in due course.

[Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con)]

What plans his Department has to help improve energy efficiency in homes.

[Stuart Anderson (Wolverhampton South West) (Con)]

What long-term plans he has to help make homes more energy-efficient.

[The Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth (Anne-Marie Trevelyan)]

The Government are committed to getting as many homes as possible to EPC band C by 2035, where cost-effective, practical and affordable. We are doing this through setting long-term minimum standards, providing financial support where it is needed most, and getting the market conditions right to support action.

[Neil Parish [V]]

The green homes grant is a scheme that can improve home insulation, cut carbon, save on energy bills and create jobs across the country. It needs backing, not scrapping, so what plans does the Minister have to extend and improve the green homes grant, and how does she see the scheme helping to improve the efficiency of older, often rural, homes, especially those with solid walls, which use more energy and cost more to heat?

[Anne-Marie Trevelyan]

We absolutely recognise that older rural properties may be more challenging to improve. That is why we provide an incentive for off-gas homes under the current energy company obligation, and we will focus the future home upgrade grant on poorer-performing homes. We also have a range of exemptions under our minimum standard regulations for homes that are too expensive or difficult to improve. This is a really important aspect of our net zero challenges, and I look forward to working with my hon. Friend in the months ahead.