Bates welcomes long overdue progress on devolution of building regs to Wales (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Bates welcomes long overdue progress on devolution of building regs to Wales

December 4, 2008 12:00 AM

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates has given a very warm welcome to long overdue progress towards the devolution of building regulations to Wales, following the news that a transfer of power to Welsh Ministers is expected in early 2009.

Commenting, Montgomeryshire AM Mick said:

"I am extremely pleased that we are at last seeing progress towards the devolution of building regulations in Wales. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for this power, which will enable us to set the environmental standards of housing so that we build more energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes.

"The Assembly Government aims for all new build to be carbon zero by 2011, but as every month has gone by, we have seen another month of inaction and that zero carbon target has seemed more and more unrealistic.

"The housing sector is a huge contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for a total of 27% of the UK's emissions. Giving Wales the power to compel builders to achieve zero carbon status will help us to make immense progress towards reducing the emissions from this sector.

"In an age where utility costs are increasing and the numbers of people living in fuel poverty is escalating, now is the time to build sustainable housing which is cheap to live in and good for the environment. I look forward to the transfer of power over building regulations in the New Year, which will be a giant step forwards towards the development of a greener housing stock in Wales."

Notes:

In a letter to the Subordinate Legislation Committee dated December 3rd 2008, First Minister Rhodri Morgan states:

"I should add that the further order on the transfer of building regulations functions to the Welsh Ministers is expected early in 2009."

Ends/Diwedd