The government has launched a new open consultation to explore the introduction of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for social housing in England. This marks a significant potential shift in housing policy, as it would be the first time that MEES are applied to socially rented homes.
What Are MEES?
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are regulations that set a baseline energy efficiency requirement for properties. They are designed to ensure that homes meet a minimum level of thermal performance, typically measured using Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). For example, landlords in the private rented sector are already required to achieve a minimum EPC rating of E, with proposals to raise this to a C in the near future. However, social housing has, until now, not been subject to the same requirements.
Why Are MEES for Social Housing Important?
Introducing MEES for social housing is a key step in improving the quality of homes for tenants. Higher energy efficiency standards help make homes warmer, reduce energy bills, and protect vulnerable residents from fuel poverty. At the same time, they contribute to the UK’s climate goals by lowering carbon emissions from the built environment. Ensuring that socially rented homes are subject to clear, enforceable standards will help raise the bar for decency and comfort across the sector.
What’s in the Consultation?
This consultation proposes setting a minimum EPC standard of C by 2030 for socially rented homes. This would bring social housing in line with similar proposals for the private sector and would be embedded in the updated Decent Homes Standard (DHS) under a new thermal comfort criterion. The consultation also includes a call for evidence on how landlords plan to decarbonise their housing stock and implement energy efficiency upgrades.
Who Should Respond?
The government is encouraging feedback from social landlords, housing associations, tenants, local authorities, energy assessors, and anyone involved in housing or retrofit policy. Your insights will help shape the final policy and ensure it is both ambitious and deliverable.
The consultation is open until 11:45pm on 10 September 2025. You can access and respond to the consultation through the official GOV.UK website.
