Landlords to be forced to improve energy efficiency

Top of the hill

Green deal ‘won’t work’ for social housing

The government’s flagship green deal retrofit scheme will fail to achieve national carbon reduction targets and exacerbate fuel poverty in social housing unless it is amended, experts have warned.

Firms line up with green deal concerns

A group of leading companies including major high street retailers Marks & Spencer and Homebase have called on the government to amend its flagship retrofit scheme so social landlords are not excluded from subsidy to tackle fuel poverty.

Coalition ministers split over green initiative

A rift has opened up between ministers at the helm of the Communities and Local Government department over plans to require households to carry out energy-efficiency work if they extend their home.

Government amends fuel poverty subsidy funding

The government has amended its flagship retrofit policy so that social landlords are no longer entirely excluded from fuel poverty subsidy funding.

Construct a greener future

Building regulations are being tightened in a bid to protect the environment, says Catherine Parker, solicitor at Trowers & Hamlins

Unlocking funds to build

Associations must work carefully to secure their development grant, says Gillian Bastow, partner at Lewis Silkin

Strike while the iron’s hot

Landlords have until 12 December to deliver carbon emission and energy savings targets. Christopher Paul, partner at Trowers & Hamlins explains

Cold cottage rescue

Isolation from mains gas can spell financial hardship. Alex Turner investigates how Cornish landlords are exploring renewable energy solutions to rural fuel poverty

Some food for thought

Landlords should assess their level of risk as the Bribery Act comes into force, says Kirsty Thompson, solicitor at Devonshires