New legislation introduced at the beginning of the month will prove of great benefit to existing and would be-tenants, according to Labour housing spokesperson Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing. From 1st October all private and socially rented homes will require an EPC, something particularly important for those residing in the private rented sector (PRS), says Coun. Simpson-Laing:

"I welcome this latest step towards improving the energy efficiency of homes in these two sectors. But it will be invaluable I think for those in York looking to move into accommodation in the PRS as not only will these certificates give the current efficiency position, importantly they will detail what improvements can be made and level attained. With high energy costs and a scenario with two properties to choose from, York residents may just find this swings it for them in choosing for their next home".

A report to go before councillors at next week's Housing and Adult Social Services EMAP meeting says the energy efficiency of local authority housing is generally better than PRS housing in the city, achieving on average a ‘C' while PRS properties rate on average a ‘D'.

Coun. Simpson-Laing says the energy efficiency of a home is important to those who are faced with higher than the regional average in rent levels, and that with energy costs rising, everything possible needs to be done to improve the energy efficiency of local PRS stock. "This information will give York landlords the information they need to improve the efficiency of their properties, and illustrates the benefits to be gained from making a relatively small investment in such things as insulation", she said.