9
Not Addressed
High energy costs drive fuel poverty despite energy efficiency improvements
Conclusion
High energy costs mean that even tenants living in homes that have undergone energy efficiency improvements can struggle to afford to heat their homes sufficiently. The higher the standard of works, the greater the benefit. While we support the Government’s plans to bring all social homes up to a minimum standard of energy efficiency, people can still live in an EPC C home and be in fuel poverty. (Conclusion, Paragraph 42) 46
Government Response Summary
The government response discusses the statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme and the Housing Ombudsman but does not address how to ensure people can afford to heat homes even with energy efficiency improvements.
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
33. The government remains committed to implementing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme, which will enable individuals buying new-build homes to benefit from clearer means of redress. Social housing tenants can already access support from the Housing Ombudsman and we have committed to introduce a new Ombudsman for the private rented sector. 10
Source
Inquiry
Housing Conditions in England
Report
4th Report – Housing Conditions in the Social Rented Sector
09 Feb 2026
HC 1154
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
09 Feb 2026