Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland News: page 8
- June 2022
Northern Ireland introduced Phase 1 interim uplift
Northern Ireland's Department of Finance has confirmed that Phase 1 of its building regulations review delivered an interim uplift to energy efficiency standards from June 2022, ahead of further planned phases.
- May 2022
Consultation launched on proposed expansion of Warm Home Discount in Scotland
The UK government has opened a consultation on expanding the Warm Home Discount in Scotland, proposing £49 million a year in support, £150 rebates and 50,000 more households.
Scottish government proposes Passivhaus standard for all new-build housing
The Scottish government has proposed that all new-build housing in Scotland meet the Passivhaus standard or a Scottish equivalent, under a Member's Bill lodged in May 2022.
Wales published changes to Part L
Wales published changes to Part L, the building regulation covering the conservation of fuel and power, in May 2022, according to a UK government research report updated in December 2022.
- April 2022
New Welsh Government estimates show up to 45% of Welsh households in fuel poverty
New official Welsh Government estimates show up to 45% of households in Wales are likely to be in fuel poverty, with 115,000 households in severe fuel poverty, according to National Energy Action.
Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment widened and planned for later in 2022
National Energy Action says the Welsh Government will make a further Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment later in 2022, widened to reach more low-income households including pensioners eligible for Pension Credit.
Welsh Government sets out £380 million cost-of-living support package for Wales
The Welsh Government has set out a £380 million package of cost-of-living support, including a £200 winter fuel payment, a £150 council tax rebate and extra funds for local authorities.
BEIS publishes Warm Home Discount response and NIA submits Welsh Warm Homes Programme response
BEIS confirmed an expanded Warm Home Discount running to at least 2025/26 as the National Insulation Association set out its response to Welsh plans for the next Warm Homes Programme.
Final impact assessment published for Wales Part L, Part F and Part O changes
The Welsh Government has published its final impact assessment for changes to Parts L, F and O of the Building Regulations for residential buildings in Wales.
Rules and RegulationInsulation and GlazingCooling and Air Conditioning
Offshore wind ambition raised to up to 50GW by 2030 including up to 5GW floating
The UK government has raised its offshore wind ambition to up to 50GW by 2030, including up to 5GW of floating wind, in its British Energy Security Strategy.
Warm Homes Programme consultation completed
The Welsh Government has completed a public consultation on the future of the next Warm Homes Programme, with a new scheme expected from 2023 and a policy direction due by autumn 2022.
WHD splits into separate England & Wales and Scotland schemes for SY12
The Warm Home Discount split into separate England and Wales and Scotland schemes for 2022-23, with a new Core Group 2 in England and Wales and the rebate rising from £140 to £150.
- March 2022
Proposed backstop date for all Scottish private rented dwellings to reach EPC of E
Scottish Government proposals would require every private rented home in Scotland to reach EPC band E by 31 March 2022, with a higher D standard proposed from 2022 and by 2025.
Welsh Government sets out cost of living support package
The Welsh Government has set out more than £380 million of cost of living support, including a £150 payment to households in council tax bands A to D, running from April to September 2022.
Welsh Government called for cost of living action in the Spring Statement
The Welsh Government has written to the Chancellor before the Spring Statement, asking for a full crisis response to the cost of living emergency and setting out measures it says would help households pay bills.
Scottish Government publishes easy read version of Heat in Buildings Strategy
The Scottish Government has published an easy read version of its Heat in Buildings Strategy, restating the goal of zero emissions buildings and plans for a National Public Energy Agency.
- February 2022
Welsh Government announces more than £330m cost-of-living support package
The Welsh Government has announced a cost-of-living support package worth more than £330m, including a £150 payment to households in council tax bands A to D and an extra £200 for low income households next winter.
Scotland announces £150 council tax rebates for 1.85m households
Scotland's finance secretary Kate Forbes announced on 10 February 2022 that 1.85 million Scottish households, 73% of the total, would receive a £150 council tax rebate in April 2022.
Qualifying week moved from September to early November
The Scottish Government has proposed moving the Winter Heating Payment qualifying week from September to early November so the £50 payment follows sooner after eligibility is assessed.
Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment doubled to £200
The Welsh Government has doubled its Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment from £100 to £200, available to new applicants and paid retrospectively to households that have already received the lower amount.
- January 2022
NEA NI urges release of funding for broader fuel poverty support package
National Energy Action Northern Ireland has written to the Minister calling for funding to be released for a broader package of support, saying the £2M Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme falls short.