CIH welcomes confirmation of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards in the social rented sector

CIH has today (1 April) welcomed the publication of the government’s full response to its consultation on the introduction of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the social rented sector, alongside the finalised impact assessment.  

The response confirms that:  

• By 1 April 2030, social housing providers will be required to ensure all homes reach a minimum standard on one of the Fabric Performance, Smart Readiness, or Heating System metrics (on the reformed EPC regime), or have a valid exemption registered. 
• Providers will have the flexibility to choose which of the three metrics they will meet, and there will be a £10,000 cost cap between now and 2030. They will then have to meet a second metric by 2039, with an additional £10,000 cost cap between 2030 and 2039. 
• The finalised transition plan means that homes meeting EPC Band C or better (i.e. an Energy Efficiency Rating or EER of C, sometimes called SAP C) on the current EPC regime by 1 April 2030 will be considered compliant until their individual EPCs expire.   

The response also provides clarity on some of the finer details of the policy, such as how the cost cap will work in relation to planned works, and the full list of exemptions that will apply.  

Responding to the news, Matthew Scott, policy manager at CIH, said: “Having a warm, comfortable home is the cornerstone of our health and wellbeing, and essential for our ability to thrive. CIH therefore welcomes today’s confirmation of the final design of MEES, and the way that the government has engaged constructively with housing professionals across the social housing sector to refine the original proposals and options assessment. These refinements will ensure continued investment towards the 2030 statutory fuel poverty target while maximising capacity across the sector to build new homes.  

“As the focus intensifies on delivering to the initial 2030 deadline, CIH will continue to work with our members and the government to ensure that the intended outcomes of the policy – warm, safe homes for social housing residents – are achieved in practice.” 

CIH will be producing a member briefing in the coming weeks and welcomes your views and feedback on the government’s decision: please email policyandpractice@cih.org with your comments or to arrange a meeting with our policy team.