Written questions by Hollinrake.

With reference to his Department’s press release of 23 September 2024 entitled Home upgrade revolution as renters set for warmer homes and cheaper bills announcement, if he will list the exemptions that will apply to the requirement for (a) private and (b) social rented sector homes to have an Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030.

The Government will consult on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector and on introducing a minimum energy efficiency standard for the social rented sector. The Government will work closely with both the private and socially rented sectors during the consultations and will consider potential exemptions as part of the consultation process.

Whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the cost-effectiveness of using infrared heating to meet upcoming energy efficiency regulations.

Infrared heating is a promising technology, which when used with room-by-room control systems, could reduce electricity use relative to a direct electric heating system. However, previous Government research, such as the Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification Project, has found that lifetime costs of infrared heating are generally higher than other electric heating technologies, like heat pumps. The Government remains open to new evidence that would challenge this view and on the role infrared heating could play in decarbonising our buildings.