A freedom of information request has revealed that 60% of the social homes in Wick are below band C on the energy performance certificate rating.
The Highland Council has confirmed that out of its 873 social homes in the Wick area, 326 are at band C and 20 are at band B, with 527 homes falling below these bands.
EPCs show a property’s energy efficiency rating and provide an indication of how much energy bills will likely be. Ratings are on a scale of A to G, with A being the best.
Edward Mountain MSP, who lodged the FOI to the Highland Council, has called on the local authority to take urgent action to roll out energy performance upgrades to its social homes at the same pace that upgrades are proposed in the private rented sector.
The Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing has set the following target that by December 2025, no social home should be re-let if it falls below EPC band D.
However, the Scottish Government is also currently considering the introduction of a target for all private rented sector properties to reach a minimum standard equivalent to EPC C by 2025, at change of tenancy. This target was recommended in the Scottish Government’s latest Heat in Buildings Strategy.
The Highland Council have confirmed they have commissioned a review into how much upgrading social homes to EPC band C will cost.
Edward Mountain MSP, who made the freedom of information request, commented:
“Given the cost of energy crisis, the Highland Council must urgently set out its timetable for upgrading the energy efficiency of its social homes in Wick.
“If it is proposed that private rented properties have to be upgraded to EPC C by 2025, then there is no reason why social rented properties should not follow the same target too. Why make social home renters in Wick wait longer for energy performance upgrades?
“We know what winters can be like in the Far North so the sooner these upgrades can be rolled out, the better.
“As a former surveyor I believe the renovations required will be ambitious, often complex, and sometimes unachievable when it comes to older housing stock.
“I will continue to push the Highland Council on this issue and I am pushing for their review to be completed as a matter of urgency.”
