Labour government confirms 2030 target for EPC C

“Responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants have nothing to fear from the sensible overhaul of private rented sector regulation we intend to implement,” the spokesperson said.

“Our Warm Homes Plan will support investment in insulation and low-carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this parliament.”

Kevin Garvey, head of member relations at the National Housing Federation, said the organisation welcomed the news and noted the target had so far not been confirmed for social landlords.

“Housing associations will need to work in partnership with the government to double the current pace of retrofitting homes and establish clear plans for homes that are harder to decarbonise,” Mr Garvey said.

“In addition, we need a commitment to boosting the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), and in the longer term, an additional £2bn per year of funding.”

At the end of last year, the Conservative government announced it had allocated an extra £1.25bn to the SHDF, along with an extra £1.5bn for its heat-pump upgrade scheme.

“Housing associations are already committed to ensuring that their homes are of the highest quality and well insulated. They are already leading the way on energy efficiency, with over 70% of their homes EPC C or higher,” Mr Garvey added.

Currently, privately rented properties must have an EPC rating of E or higher.

In January, the previous government overturned a target requiring all private landlords in England and Wales to have a C-rated property by 2028.

Earlier this year, the then Welsh cabinet secretary for housing, local government and planning confirmed the government did not have a target for social housing to reach EPC A by 2030.

In response to a request for clarification on the policy, Julie James said the Welsh government had “never” set a deadline for reaching the rating, but instead had a goal for all social housing to reach EPC A “in future”.