Landlord organisation demands clarity over government’s net zero strategy

One landlord organisation has criticised the government for its “sticking plaster approach” in addressing the energy transition to net zero.

ihowz wrote a letter to the Energy Security and Net Zero committee arguing landlords have a lack of guidance from the government regarding the new minimum energy efficiency (MEES) standards.

Last year the Prime Minister announced the abolition of EPC rules however, uncertainty remains regarding energy-efficiency policy in the private rented sector.

Anxiously await the new MEES rules

Peter Littlewood, chief executive officer, of ihowz said in his letter the organisation is concerned about the net zero transition.

He wrote: “Landlords are generally confused about the lack of advice regarding insulating their tenants’ homes, and anxiously await the new MEES, preceded by the EPC regulations.

“We were concerned to see that Drax has received permission from the government to fit carbon capture technology to its wood-burning power plant, in a project that could cost bill-payers more than £40bn.

“This is almost twice what the Labour party want to spend on insulating Britain’s homes – a far better long-term use of money, investing in reducing energy use thus improving security.”

He adds: “We were also surprised to see that Britain’s sprawling gas network is still reliant on a fleet of ageing aircraft engines, some stripped from 1960s RAF Lightning fighter jets.

“Jon Butterworth, chief executive of National Gas, said many of the engines that drive gas through the system date back decades, some to the Cold War, and now need millions of pounds spent on replacing them.

“I wonder if you can comment on these matters, especially appropriate advice for our members to be able to contribute to net zero.”

Moving towards a new energy future

In a response, the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee said they were considering the Drax issue.

“The Committee is currently considering how the country is moving towards a new energy future in its ‘Keeping the Power on’ inquiry which is likely to touch on the role of gas in the future, though it may not get to the details of the technology being used by the gas network.

“I believe that it is probably more appropriate for the government to be giving advice to your Members, though they may be interested in contributing to one or more of the ongoing inquiries this Parliamentary Committee currently has open.”

Rodney Townson, from ihowz, told Property118: “The government response shows a lack of joined-up thinking and sticking plaster approach which the government continues to apply to energy transition.”

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