The Government recognises that there are opportunities to improve how the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) accommodates and recognises new energy-saving technologies and is taking steps to address these as part of the transition to the Home Energy Model.

We have strengthened our latest contractual Key Performance Indicators to refine guidance materials and improve application timescales. Additionally, the new modular HEM will enable new technologies to be recognised in the core engine on a more frequent basis, removing the need for a ‘bolt-on’ calculation.

The Department has funded evidence on the relationship between predicted and actual home energy performance through its publicly available EPC Accuracy Research. The research identified differences between modelled EPC energy use and metered household energy consumption and found that these differences reflected a range of factors, including assumptions within methodologies, occupancy rates and changes to properties since EPCs were produced. The findings helped inform the development of RdSAP 10 and are informing the upcoming Home Energy Model to better reflect real-world building performance.

The Government is taking steps to ensure that the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) continues to recognise innovative energy- saving technologies and remains fit for purpose during the transition to the Home Energy Model.

We have strengthened KPIs in our latest contracts to improve application timescales and the operation of the product recognition process. This includes working with our commercial partners to define timeframes where appropriate and refining guidance materials to deliver a clearer end-to-end process.

The government will continue to work with local authorities to understand the impact of the PRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES).

We have already set out a number of measures designed to ease the compliance burden and to support local authority efforts in respect of compliance and enforcement, including amendments and improvements to the exemptions regime and the recent launch of an improved PRS Exemptions Register.

Through existing and forthcoming legislation, we will ensure local authorities are further supported through improved access to data and strengthened powers. The government will increase the maximum fine for non-compliance to £30,000 per property, per breach, to deter poor practice and the PRS Database and improved Exemptions Register will reduce administrative burdens and make it easier to identify non-compliance.

As outlined in the roadmap for implementing the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which can be found on gov.uk here, roll out of the PRS Database on a geographical basis will begin from late 2026.

In relation to the additional resourcing for local authorities, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 2020 on 27 May 2026.

My Ministerial team and I meet with Ofgem regularly to discuss a range of issues, including how the retail market works for vulnerable consumers.

Ofgem require suppliers to identify and support vulnerable domestic consumers’ needs, make it easy for them to update their circumstances, and provide accessible support with tailored, easy-to-understand communications that are specific to their needs so they can engage with suppliers without facing exclusion.

Ofgem’s recent Call for Input on Consumer Outcomes has also signalled a move away from prescriptive regulation to a more outcomes-focused approach, including improving support for vulnerable consumers.

The consultation closes on 22 July 2026, with a final decision expected in early 2027. If this approach is adopted, suppliers would have to operate within these requirements, as they are intended to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate consumers with a wide range of communication and support needs.

We are consulting on proposals to strengthen consumer protections for home upgrades delivered through government schemes through Government oversight of the market. The consultation, published on Gov.uk, closes on 10 September 2026.

As part of the consultation, we are seeking views on measures to improve detection of phoenixing and enforcement of remediation responsibilities, including through collaboration across public-sector bodies involved in market surveillance and enforcement of accreditation, trading standards and building regulations. Views are also sought on options to strengthen oversight of subcontractors and clarify their accountability for consumer outcomes.

We will publish a government response by end of 2026.

The Government does not hold a single definitive estimate of the total number of households affected across all previous retrofit schemes.

We are committed to reforming the consumer protection system to support the delivery of the Warm Homes Plan. We are currently consulting on proposals to strengthen consumer protections for home upgrades delivered through government schemes through Government oversight of the market. The consultation, published on GOV.UK, will close on 10 September 2026. We will set out the direction of travel for these proposals in the Government Response by the end of year.

In the current system, installers are bound by licencing agreements with UKAS-accredited certification bodies to enable them to operate on government schemes.

As part of the consultation, published on Gov.uk, Government is seeking views on the extent to which the proposed compliance model, including removing installers from the public register, would provide an appropriate level of deterrence; the effectiveness of proposals to hold retrofit professionals to account; and what measures would improve enforcement and compliance.

The exact criteria for removing installers from the proposed public register will be part of the final policy design.

Failures in the Energy Company Obligation 4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme highlighted significant weaknesses in the consumer protection framework for home upgrades. Government has subsequently worked closely with the Retrofit System Reform Advisory Panel to gather further insight from industry, regulatory and consumer protection experts on the strengths and weaknesses of the current system.

Based on this evidence, the government view is that the consumer protection system requires fundamental reform. We are currently consulting on proposals to strengthen arrangements that will protect households from defective works. The consultation, published on Gov.uk, is open until 10 September 2026.

We are consulting on proposals to strengthen consumer protections for home upgrades, including options to remove non-compliant installers from participating in government schemes as part of a graduated enforcement approach. The consultation, published on Gov.uk, will close on 10 September.

Consultation responses will inform a further impact assessment of the proposals, including their affects on the installer market.

It is too early to estimate the proportion of installers who may be unable to participate under the proposed reforms, as the final design of the system is subject to this consultation.

Failings in Energy Company Obligation 4 and the Great British Insulation Schemes highlighted weaknesses in consumer protection for home upgrades. There was a clear commitment in the Warm Homes Plan to learn from past failures and take decisive action to ensure consumers are properly protected in future schemes.

To put this vision into practice, we are consulting on options to strengthen the oversight of the consumer protection system. The consultation, available on Gov.uk, closes on 10 September 2026. This feedback will inform an assessment of the likely impacts of the proposed reforms, including on instances of defective works.

Work under Government–backed schemes requires TrustMark registration and needs to comply with PAS 2035/2030 and MCS arrangements.

Where work under Government-backed schemes falls short, installers are responsible for putting it right. Consumers can raise concerns through their installer, scheme provider or certification body, and may access TrustMark dispute resolution and installation guarantees where applicable. We are currently consulting on reforms to simplify the system, strengthen oversight, and provide clearer routes to swift remediation and redress.

The consultation proposes to create a single, end-to-end consumer protection service, accountable to government, providing advice, case management and support for consumers.