Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will establish a Green and Decent Homes Programme to bring (a) social and (b) council housing up to acceptable standards.  [52830]

[Due for Answer on 21 May. Answered on 23 May.]

ANSWER 

The Minister of State for Housing and Planning (Matthew Pennycook): The government intend to amend building regulations later this year as part of the introduction of future standards that will set more ambitious energy efficiency and carbon emissions requirements for new homes.

We will also consult this year on a new Decent Homes Standard for social and private rented sectors and consult on a new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for social housing.