The draft NPPF consultation (published in December 2025) proposes to prevent local authorities from setting local standards in planning policy, particularly energy efficiency standards (see PM13: Setting Standards). If the consultation proposal is adopted as it stands, it will no longer be possible for local authorities to set targets in terms of energy (e.g. energy use intensity,
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More solar farms on the way after record renewables auction
More solar farms are on the way around the UK, in a move that boosts the country's clean power goals but could spark anger from local opponents. The government awarded contracts to a record supply of renewables projects, including 157 solar developments across England, Scotland and Wales. The results have been welcomed
UK Government Warm Homes Plan
The UK government launched their Warm Homes Plan on the 21st January 2026, aimed at improving 5 million homes across the UK. We have around 29 million homes to retrofit. The £15 billion commitment aims to streamline previous stop start approaches of home upgrades schemes, by reducing household energy bills and improving energy
Cuts to insulation scheme will leave homes cold over winter, experts say
E3G thinktank warns retrofit sector could shed 10,000 skilled jobs as small firms struggle to survive Cuts to a scheme for insulation and heatpumps for low-income households will leave homes damp, draughty and unsafe over winter, experts have said. Housing have asked for a one-year extension to the scheme to ensure continuity
