Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that local authorities have sufficient resources to enforce the proposed new minimum energy efficiency standards for private rented properties; and whether the PRS database established under the Renters' Rights Act will be operational before the 1 October 2030.

The government will continue to work with local authorities to understand the impact of the PRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES).

We have already set out a number of measures designed to ease the compliance burden and to support local authority efforts in respect of compliance and enforcement, including amendments and improvements to the exemptions regime and the recent launch of an improved PRS Exemptions Register.

Through existing and forthcoming legislation, we will ensure local authorities are further supported through improved access to data and strengthened powers. The government will increase the maximum fine for non-compliance to £30,000 per property, per breach, to deter poor practice and the PRS Database and improved Exemptions Register will reduce administrative burdens and make it easier to identify non-compliance.

As outlined in the roadmap for implementing the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which can be found on gov.uk here, roll out of the PRS Database on a geographical basis will begin from late 2026.

In relation to the additional resourcing for local authorities, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 2020 on 27 May 2026.