Agenda item

This report provides the Executive Members with a consultation that sets out the Governments plans for the Future Homes Standard, including proposed options to increase the energy efficiency requirements for new homes in 2020.

Resolved:

                      i.         That the answers to the Government’s Consultation Questions were amended as outlined below;

i.i.   Responses should include a focus on the need for building skills training to be a part of the Government’s agenda;

i.ii.  Responses should include a focus on long term plans for investment in the housing stock;

i.iii.Responses should include the recognition for improved ventilation;

i.iv.In response to question 6. The response would include the request for an option that would set the level of uplift to the energy efficiency standard in the Building Regulations introduced in 2020 above 31% CO2 reduction.

i.v.  In response to question 11. The response would state that, we accept the minimum standards for fabric performance as proposed as an interim minimum measure, whilst the Government works on skills within the building sector that would allow for a move to higher standards beyond 2024/25 that would put standards closer to Passivhaus standards.

                     ii.         That the Executive Member Support the Governments recommendation of option two, but additionally would request that the minimum fabric improvement as outlined in option 1 should also be supported. The Executive Member outlined that the response to the options should also include;

ii.i.  Highlighting that Local Authorities should be able to set their own efficiency standards;

ii.ii. That the use of photovoltaics (PV) on all new and renovated buildings where there are no significant adverse implication in terms of heritage assets should be included;

ii.iii.     That infrastructure should be added to all new buildings to enable future improvements;

ii.iv.    That training is required to ensure relevant parties are aware of how to implement the changes required.

Reason:     So that the City of York Council can respond to the Government’s consultation on the uplift to the standard of Part L of the Building Regulations and changes to Part F.

The Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning noted that he had requested that this item be brought to this public decision session, because of the need to meet the delivery agenda for the Climate Emergency. He was therefore also joined in consultation by the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change for the item.

The Executive Members considered the report that introduced the first stage of a two-part consultation about proposed changes to the Building Regulations. The consultation also included the wider impacts of Part L for new homes, including changes to Part F. The Executive Members noted their disappointment that the consultation’s options seemed to be too restrictive. They acknowledged a preference for option 2, but with the addition of the minimum fabric improvement as outlined in option 1.

The Executive Members discussed with Council Officers the proposed responses to the consultation in annex B of the report. The Executive Members agreed with the proposed response regarding the Roadmap to the Future Homes Standard’s implementation in 2025 as not being ambitious enough. They also enquired about responses in relation to the Minimum Standards for Fabric Performance, issues of humidity and ventilation, and building skills training.     

The Government’s proposal to amend the Planning and Energy Act 2008 to restrict local planning authorities from setting higher energy efficiency standards for dwellings was raised as a concern. Officers confirmed that should at national level standards be set lower than City of York Council would wish to set locally (the City of York Council’s Local Plan currently sets standard’s at 20% higher than the current national standard), this could prevent enforcing a higher standard. The Executive Members confirmed their support, for the inclusion that Local Authorities being able to set their own efficiency standards being in the response to the consultation. 

Resolved:

                      i.         That the answers to the Government’s Consultation Questions were amended as outlined below;

i.i.   Responses should include a focus on the need for building skills training to be a part of the Government’s agenda;

i.ii.  Responses should include a focus on long term plans for investment in the housing stock;

i.iii.Responses should include the recognition for improved ventilation;

i.iv.In response to question 6. The response would include the request for an option that would set the level of uplift to the energy efficiency standard in the Building Regulations introduced in 2020 above 31% CO2 reduction.

i.v.  In response to question 11. The response would state that, we accept the minimum standards for fabric performance as proposed as an interim minimum measure, whilst the Government works on skills within the building sector that would allow for a move to higher standards beyond 2024/25 that would put standards closer to Passivhaus standards.

                     ii.         That the Executive Member Support the Governments recommendation of option two, but additionally would request that the minimum fabric improvement as outlined in option 1 should also be supported. The Executive Member outlined that the response to the options should also include;

ii.i.  Highlighting that Local Authorities should be able to set their own efficiency standards;

ii.ii. That the use of photovoltaics (PV) on all new and renovated buildings where there are no significant adverse implication in terms of heritage assets should be included;

ii.iii.     That infrastructure should be added to all new buildings to enable future improvements;

ii.iv.    That training is required to ensure relevant parties are aware of how to implement the changes required.

Reason:     So that the City of York Council can respond to the Government’s consultation on the uplift to the standard of Part L of the Building Regulations and changes to Part F.