PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: CONCERNS ABOUT HOME ENERGY CERTIFICATES

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has expressed concern about the implications of new energy performance certificates for people selling older properties.

Mr Burns said, “In the case of new builds no-one would disagree with any scheme that encourages people to use greener sources of energy. Wood pellet burners, solar panels, underground heat pumps and wind turbines can all be easily and affordably be integrated into new builds, bringing benefits to the householders and the environment.

“However I am concerned about the serious implications on current house owners who want to sell their properties, especially those living in older rural houses.

“While most people subscribe to energy efficiency, the fact is, the housing market is now quiet and people selling houses are doing so now because it’s a must-do situation. I’m very concerned about the circumstances that are likely to arise here, where older houses will perform very poorly in these new assessments and therefore drop dramatically in value. This will impact largely on the rural community.

“There needs to be some protection in circumstances like these. Most people are now at the mercy of speculators who can buy up properties and sit on them until the market is more favourable. On the contrary, people selling houses now are facing financial hardship and this additional requirement is going to add to that burden.

“I am concerned by the timescale proposed and I really wonder if this whole idea has been fully thought through. Seminars and public information should have been available months ago so that people could be prepared.

“Furthermore, quite clearly Government buildings here are performing very poorly in terms of energy efficiency and the Department of Finance and Personnel and Peter Robinson should see to it that he practices what he preaches and brings government buildings up to acceptable standards.”

ENDS