SAL gives evidence to parliament on EPC reform

On Tuesday 30 September SAL’s chief executive, John Blackwood, gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament on the government’s plans to reform Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

John outlined SAL’s opposition to the proposal to reduce the EPC renewal timescale from 10 years to 5 years, explaining that this would represent an unnecessary cost and administrative burden for landlords with little benefit to tenants given that the energy efficiency of most properties will not change in a 5-year period. John also urged the Scottish Government to reconsider its timescale for implementing a new minimum energy efficiency standard, to ensure landlords have sufficient time to plan and prepare for the future requirements once reformed EPCs have been introduced.

The government is expected to lay draft legislation before parliament later this year with a view to reformed EPCs being introduced next year. Further information on the government’s proposals can be found here.

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