The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) welcomes the Government's commitment in its Warm Homes, Greener Homes Household Energy Management Strategy to improve energy efficiency of existing homes, which are some of the oldest and least energy-efficient in Europe.

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive, said: "We are particularly pleased that the Government has proposed a new 'Warm Homes' standard for social housing, something that CIH has been calling for since 2007. It represents a key step in tackling the UK's carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty. We hope that a similar standard for private sector housing will follow in due course.

"This new standard could build on the work of the Decent Homes programme, which CIH helped to establish in 2000, where millions of social rented homes in England have been improved to meet minimum standards. Like the Decent Homes programme we hope this initiative not only improves stock condition but also helps support the training and employment of many professionals operating across the housing profession."

Sarah Webb added: "We look forward to working with the Government on the development and delivery of the proposed new standard."

*ENDS*

News release issued on behalf of the CIH by Jill Dwyer, CIH Press Office, Octavia House, Westwood Way, Coventry CV4 8JP. Telephone: 02476 851780 or 07786 716961. Email: press@cih.org. 

Notes to Editors: 

- The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for people involved in housing and communities. We are a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. We have a diverse and growing membership of over 22,000 – both in the public and private sectors – living and working in over 20 countries on five continents across the world. Our members work for local authorities, housing associations, Arms Length Management Organisations, Government bodies, educational establishments and the private sector. Many tenants and residents are also members. We exist to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the wellbeing of communities. Further information is available at: www.cih.org 

- The Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing magazine’s House Proud campaign is making the case for housing. More details are at www.insidehousing.co.uk/houseproud