Coalition plan to scrap energy rules for new houses condemned as ‘cost-of-living timebomb’

"A Proposal to Roll Back Building Standards Sparks Fears of Increased Costs for Low-Income Households. Critics are sounding the alarm over a Coalition plan to scrap the National Construction Code, which sets minimum energy efficiency and accessibility standards for new homes. The proposed changes, which would see the code reduced from over 2,000 pages to just 80, have been labelled a "cost-of-living timebomb" by advocates, who warn that they would disproportionately affect the poorest households. By making energy-efficient features and accessibility measures optional, the plan could lead to higher bills and reduced living standards for those who can least afford it."

Proposal to cut building costs by scrapping the construction code would increase bills for the poorest households, critics sayGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA Coalition plan to abolish compulsory energy standards for new homes that help reduce people’s exposure to heat and cold has been criticised by advocates as a “cost-of-living timebomb” that would deepen inequality.The opposition’s housing and environment spokesperson, Andrew Bragg, said a Coalition government would cut the National Construction Code from more than 2,000 pages to 80, and strip away all requirements for new homes beyond demanding they were “basic and safe”. Longstanding compulsory energy and accessibility measures would become “optional extras”. Continue reading...