Extra month allowed for comments following problem with software
Ministers have extended the consultation period for the government’s proposed Future Homes Standard by nearly a month.
Housing Today understands that a technical glitch with software linked to the consultation meant potential respondents may have had problems accessing it. The issue has been resolved, but the time limit in which people can add their views has been extended just in case.
The Future Homes Standard forms a major part of plans to hit the UK’s legally-binding net zero emissions target by 2050. These have been endorsed by the prime minister.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said that views on the proposals, including the phasing out of fossil fuel-fired boilers by 2025, would now be accepted until 11.45am on Friday, 7 February 2020. Comments had been due in by 10 January.
The consultation was launched in October to seek views on proposals to reduce carbon emissions from new homes before the full standard takes effect, and to help the industry make the transition as smoothly as possible. Proposals to update Parts L (energy) and F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations, with changes for 2020 and 2025, were launched at the same time.
The changes planned for 2020 include a major uplift in energy performance. The government’s preferred option, known as Option 2, is a 31% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the standards in 2013 Part L.
The consultation is also seeking views on how councils could assist in attaining the best energy standards from developers.
The proposals represent the first significant tightening up of energy efficiency standards for homes since Part L took effect in 2013.
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