MP Pam Cox to 'push' for housing energy efficiency standards

New data from the ONS shows 55 per cent of private rental properties with a rating in Colchester were rated C or above in the year to March – above the English average of 44 per cent.

All properties in Britain receive a rating when they are sold or rented, from A down to G.

The average rating of all eligible private rental properties in Colchester was 69 out of 100 - equivalent to band C.

Across all properties with a rating in Colchester, the average rating was 70, which is equivalent to band C, and slightly above the East of England average of 69 and the national average of 68.

The Government says landlords must uprate all properties to at least a C rating by 2030 – above the current E or higher standard.

This 2030 target comes at the same time as the Government's decision to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance for many pensioners.

Standards - Pam Cox said raising energy efficiency standards would be good for renters and landlords (Image: Roger Harris/Parliament) Labour Colchester MP Pam Cox said: “Labour is committed to delivering a Warm Homes Plan to help reduce energy bills and make homes more energy efficient.

“Even before the General Election, I was promoting schemes to encourage homeowners and landlords to make improvements to their properties. I’ll continue to do this as well as ensuring that residents are accessing all the support available to them."

Ms Cox added: “Labour’s Renters Rights Bill will give renters much greater security and stability so they can stay in their homes for longer.

“Investing in the energy efficiency of properties is good for landlords and renters.

“I’ll continue to push for more support for homeowners, landlords and renters so that we can make homes in Colchester safe, warm and affordable.”

Peter Smith, director of policy at fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, said many households have been badly affected by the ongoing energy crisis because their homes have poor energy efficiency.

He said renters have endured the worst energy efficiency conditions for many years, and urged the Government to raise minimum standards quickly so "tenants will stop having to live in draughty, hard to heat homes".