930k Scots could be hit by SNP eco home proposals
HOMEOWNERS in Scotland will face fines or taxes unless their properties meet strict eco-friendly standards.
Almost one million Scots will be forced to fork out on energy-efficient measures such as new boilers and solar panels if they want to avoid financial penalties.
The rules are part of controversial proposals unveiled by SNP ministers which would see ‘legally binding’ energy efficiency standards introduced within four years.
An estimated 930,000 homes would have to be upgraded, and it is feared many Scots would have to invest thousands to meet the standard.
Ministers had considered a voluntary scheme to encourage people to improve the energy efficiency of their properties but a new consultation suggests a ‘legally-binding standard’ by 2024.
The ‘ludicrous’ plans have been blasted by Conservative MSP Graham Simpson, who said the SNP’s ‘heavy-handed behaviour’ was the wrong approach.
The move could also affect house prices given that buyers could face a potential time limit in which to upgrade properties that do not meet the required standard.
NEARLY one million Scottish homeowners will be hit with fines or new taxes unless they invest in green upgrades such as new boilers and solar panels.
SNP ministers have unveiled controversial plans for a ‘legally binding’ energy efficiency standard for owneroccupied homes within four years.
Those who do not achieve a C rating on their energy performance certificate (EPC) by 2024 will face enforcement action including civil fines or tax penalties and charges.
It is estimated that 930,000 homes – 62 per cent of all owner-occupied homes – fall below the C rating and would have to be upgraded. Those in draughty older properties are likely to face bills running to several thousand pounds in order to get their homes up to standard.
The Scottish Government estimates the total cost of the upgrades required will run to an eye-watering £8billion.
Homeowners will need to consider measures such as loft and wall insulation, underfloor heating, biomass or hybrid boilers and solar panels.
Scottish Conservative housing spokesman Graham Simpson said: ‘The SNP Government should be incentivising people to do this positively, not raid their pockets once again.
‘For those with older homes and in rural areas, this target simply won’t be possible, and the idea they could be fined for this is simply ludicrous.’
The Scottish Government said last April that it wants every residential property to achieve a C rating on its EPC by 2040. At the time, it said that owner-occupiers will be encouraged to make changes voluntarily but that ‘without sufficient progress, mandatory action could be considered’.
However, ministers yesterday published a consultation which confirms plans to press ahead with making the energy efficiency standard ‘legally binding’ from 2024. They said that much faster action is required to tackle the ‘global climate emergency’ and achieve tough new green targets.
The new consultation states: ‘Most homes in Scotland (62 per cent) are owned by their occupants, so regulations for social or privately rented homes will not apply to them. Only 38 per cent of owner-occupied homes are at EPC band C or better, which means around 930,000 homes are still below that level.’
It states: ‘We need to go faster and further where we can do so in a way that is fair and just’ to cut emissions and adds: ‘In the context of a global climate emergency we must look to all parts of society to take action to cut emissions.’
A foreword to the consultation by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart and Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: ‘Last year in the Route Map we outlined our plan to encourage homeowners to improve their energy efficiency until 2030, after which we would consider a legally-binding standard. This consultation outlines our proposals to set a standard for energy efficiency and make it legally binding on homeowners from 2024 onwards.’
Research commissioned by the Scottish Government has suggested that work likely to be required ranges from ground/air source heat pumps, hybrid boilers, solar thermal panels and triple glazing to floor insulation and smart heating controls. The new consultation also suggests that there will be a ‘periodic review’ of the energy efficiency standard.
According to the report, the efficiency standard will have to be met at key ‘trigger points’, such as at the time of a sale or a major renovation. It estimates around 190,000 homes below C rating will change hands within five years, or 330,000 over a ten-year period.
If a home is not at the required standard when sold, the legal obligation to upgrade it would fall on the buyer and a time limit, such as 12 months, could be applied.
The Government consultation acknowledges this could have a significant impact on house prices. It states: ‘We expect that market forces would mean the sale price and/or property valuation would reflect the extra effort and cost for the buyer.’
It states that ‘civil fines’ could be introduced for those who fail to achieve the standard, and that tax penalties and charges – potentially re-occurring – could be applied.
‘Legally binding standard’