Welsh seek powers to hit efficiency goal
Share
The Welsh government has asked for the power to set building regulations to be transferred from Westminster.
The move would give the assembly government greater control over the way buildings are built, which it says would allow them to be more energy efficient and sustainable.
Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson said: ‘Devolved regulations will allow the assembly government to make changes in the requirements for new buildings to be more energy efficient.
‘Increasing standards will help us meet the aspiration for all new buildings in Wales to be zero carbon and reduce our carbon footprint ahead of the UK government target for new housing of 2016 and potentially 2020 for non-domestic new build.
‘Making homes more sustainable will help homeowners and tenants across Wales to keep their energy costs down and also contribute towards our 3 per cent targets on climate change from 2011.’
The assembly government is requesting a transfer of executive functions in the Building Act 1984 and the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004 from the secretary of state for Wales in Westminster to Welsh ministers in respect of buildings in Wales.
It is hoped the transfer of functions order will be passed to take effect from 31 December 2011.
If Parliament approves the changes a consultation and impact assessment will be produced.
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment