The government has outlined new measures to strengthen enforcement of energy efficiency standards in rented properties, establish a new Warm Homes Agency and reduce energy costs.

The Energy Independence Bill, introduced to Parliament this week, has been analysed by Propertymark. 

The trade organisation says that for agents, the most significant measures include stronger local authority enforcement powers, potential penalties of up to £30,000 for breaches of domestic energy efficiency regulations, and a new body which is described as simplifying access to advice and support for property improvements.

The Bill suggests councils be given greater powers to enforce Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in private rented properties. 

The measures will support the government’s long-held ambition for privately rented homes to achieve an EPC rating of C by October 2030, unless a valid exemption applies. 

Propertymark says: “For letting agents, the proposals reinforce the importance of understanding the energy performance of properties they manage, advising landlords on their responsibilities and encouraging early planning for improvements.”

The Bill also scraps standing charges on household gas bills, ending the daily charge paid even when no gas is used. The move will give around 23m households greater control over their energy costs, with around 60% of gas account holders expected to save an average of £45 a year.

Other measures in the Bill include:

• Stronger consumer protections: Giving Ofgem tougher powers to crack down on rogue energy companies and bosses, including unfair bonuses, while regulating energy brokers to tackle mis-selling and hidden commissions, expected to save businesses around £100 million a year;

• Making home upgrades easier: Establishing the Warm Homes Agency in law to help families access support to improve their homes and cut heating costs;

• Putting power in local hands: Requiring developers to offer communities up to a 20% stake in new renewable projects, alongside mandatory community benefits so local people share in the rewards.