Developers Could Be Given Buyout Option to Avoid 'Zero Carbon' Standard

Developers will be allowed to buy their way out of making homes ‘zero carbon’ under new measures in the Queen’s Speech, Liberal Democrat sources have claimed.  In 2006, the Labour government said all new homes should be ‘zero carbon’ within 10 years – a measure which was due to take effect in 2016. But concerns that the cost could slow house building, ministers have decided builders will be allowed to fit homes up to level 4 of the new code for sustainable homes rather than level 5 – the accepted standard for zero carbon homes. If they choose to do this, however, builders will then have to pay the government a fixed fee based on an agreed carbon price to pay for offset schemes of the government’s choosing. Read more on Inside Housing.

£1m HCA Funding Boost for New Council Homes

The HCA has put £980,000 in funding towards plans for 70 new council homes in Lenton, Nottingham.  The purpose-built independent living scheme, which includes 54 flats and 16 bungalows, will form part of Nottingham City Council and Nottingham City Homes’ (NCH) plans for Lenton’s regeneration. The cash was awarded this week through the HCA’s Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund.  Each property will be built as a Code 4 Sustainable Home, offering a reduced carbon footprint and lowered energy bills for tenants. They will also meet lifetime home standards, making sure they have adequate space for wheelchairs and other adaptations that may be needed as tenants get older.  Read more on 24dash.