MP out change law on energy bills (From Daily Echo)

MP out change law on energy bills

6:00am Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News

A SOUTHAMPTON MP will today attempt to change the law to allow tenants to cut their energy bills.

Alan Whitehead said people living in shared rented accommodation were being frozen out of an energy efficiency drive.

Under legislation introduced in 2011, most private renters have the right to ask their landlord to introduce “reasonable energy efficiency” measures like improved insulation. Landlords also have to meet a basic energy efficiency standard by 2018.

But many landlords can dodge out of the provisions by classing their property as a house in multiple occupation, which are not covered, and letting out each room individually.

Mr Whitehead, the Labour MP for Southampton Test, will introduce a Bill at Westminster today to attempt to close the loophole.

His Private Member’s Bill will progress to the next stage unless other MPs object.

He said: “When the Energy Act was debated in Parliament, there was agreement across the House that new standards for energy efficiency should apply to all private rented sector homes. But because of this loophole this hasn’t happened.

“These changes are a simple way for the Government to help renters get a fairer deal on their energy bills, and to help make sure responsible landlords aren’t undercut by others renting out inefficient and draughty homes.”