The government is facing a legal challenge against its “unnecessarily draconian” rules which limit the ability of local councils to set their own energy efficiency standards. The challenge is being brought by Rights Community Action, supported by Good Law Project, who claim the government is “undermining local authority powers in an unlawful fashion [and] has failed to properly apply its own Environment Act 2021”. The challenge relates to a ministerial statement issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) in December 2023 which prohibits local councils from setting energy efficiency standards above those outlined in building regulations.
‘Draconian’ energy efficiency rules met with legal challenge
