The Conservative party intends to scrap the Future Homes Standard (FHS) if it wins the next general election. This proposal, made by Kemi Badenoch at the Tory party conference this week, could mean new homes are built without solar panels, heat pumps, and high-grade insulation, potentially leading to higher household bills.
According to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the construction industry is prepared for the FHS, which is due to be implemented before the next general election. Simon McWhirter, chief executive of UKGBC, stated that reversing course would risk slowing progress in housebuilding.
In an unexpected shift, the Green party resolved last weekend to abandon its long-held opposition to nuclear power. While still prioritising renewable energy, Green MPs could now support new reactors due to their potential role in low-carbon generation.
At Labour's conference, Andy Burnham mentioned plans for a publicly owned body to invest in the energy grid. The decision on the future of the Rosebank and Jackdaw drilling sites was reportedly postponed for the byelection.