Heating costs of private rented properties as an issue in local authorities tackling Climate Emergency issues and socio-economic injustices

LB Brent-based 'Advice4Renters' leaflet on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard.
The law now requires landlords to issue an Energy Performance Certificate
of standard at least E, but this is for new lettings only.
Will councils have the funds to police this?

The letter below was e-mailed to Hereford Times around 6 October 2019, and published in Hereford Times, Thursday, October 31 issue with the heading 'Heating costs'

Dear Letters Editor

The term 'infrastructure' in relation to planning Herefordshire's sustainable future is generally confined to matters such as transport and telecoms communications with reference to housing and workforce amid Climate Emergency and employment opportunities.

What about issues of socio-economic justice and enforcement of rights and responsibilities, along with poorer people's access to information, advice, guidance and advocacy? As an example, my Freedom of Information request regarding . The Council seemed more keen on punishing poor folk than advising them of their rights.[1]

Now, property developers cream off  'Help to Buy' Government moneys to attract purchasers of new housing,[2] including purchases for 'buy to rent' market while [really unaffordable] 'affordable rent' is defined as 85% of market rent. And what about heating costs while the Met Office anticipates the coldest winter for 30 years?[3]

Potentially ameliorating news there is that "a new regulation [states] that landlords cannot lawfully let a home with an Energy Efficiency Rating of F or G… the law says that landlords and agents who advertise homes to let must show the energy rating in the ad, and landlords must also give new tenants an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The Certificate informs you about the Rating, and also provides information about the steps the landlord could take to make your home warmer and cheaper to heat….

"Government statistics for 2018 show that more than 18% of greenhouse gases in the UK are emitted from the homes we live in."[4]

How will the new Council help enforce this Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for tenants and planet?

Alan Wheatley

Notes to editor:

1. https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/17273040.revealed-thousands-summonsed-over-council-tax-debt/
2. https://moneyweek.com/509813/help-to-buy-a-crazy-subsidy-for-housebuilders/
3. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/this-winter-could-be-coldest-for-30-years-bringing-snow-event-after-snow-event-104832843.html 
4. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/790626/2018-provisional-emissions-statistics-report.pdf