The trade press is fixated on the departure of housing minister Lucy Frazer after four months in the government reshuffle, but the most important point for landlords may be the creation of a new department. 

Grant Shapps is to lead a new department called Energy Security and Net Zero, and within hours of taking office he has been subject to lobbying by concerned sections of the rental sector. 

For example Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, comments:“We are pleased to see that the UK Government is demonstrating its dedication to the Net Zero target by creating this new department. Buildings account for 30 per cent of emissions in the UK, with homes making up 17 per cent of the total, which means there is room for improvement across the sector.

“However, property agents are looking for clarity on how landlords, homeowners and businesses can meet energy performance targets. [We call] on local and central government to produce a coordinated strategy across the country which incorporates financial incentives, awareness raising and skills development to deliver the improvements that are needed. Improving the energy efficiency of housing and buildings is not only important to reduce fuel bills but is the right thing to do.

“We look forward to working with the new department to ensure that the property sector can play its part in the UK becoming Net Zero by 2050.”

Kate Davies, executive e director of the Intermediate Mortgage Lenders Association, takes up the same theme.

“The Prime Minister’s decision to … restore a standalone energy department brings hope for more efficient decision making on energy policy, and in particular energy efficiency requirements for homes. However, action to match this aspiration must follow if real change is to take place.

“In 2021, the Committee on Climate Change estimated that £55 billion of investment in home energy efficiency was needed by 2050 for the UK to achieve a balanced pathway to net zero. However, the UK housing market has been waiting for clarity on EPC rule changes for months now, despite the first proposed deadline – the 2025 cut off for all rented properties to become EPC band C – looming nearer every day.

“Landlords in particular have been left with a significant amount of work to do and little guidance on how, when or whom they should approach to ensure their properties are compliant with whatever EPC regulations are introduced. We hope that a new, streamlined department will help provide some much-needed clarity on the requirements for landlords, lenders, brokers and house builders alike.

“It will also be very important that the new department does not operate in a vacuum – but works closely with other departments, agencies and stakeholders in order to develop a joined-up, long-term strategy.”