I thank the Minister for her response. Just before she sits down, I want to reiterate the point about the measurement of these measures. There is a danger here that we are seeking slightly to rewrite history. When the Green Deal was launched, it clearly was all about the finance package, and that was meant to be what was going to unlock it. My concern
is that if we move the goalposts and now say, “Well, it was always about assessments; that’s the main thing”, or, “Self-financing is the important thing”, that creates a problem where early adopters are taking on a mechanism which, if it does not become well understood or commonplace, will mean that we see people not wanting those properties. That disadvantages people who implement the measures because the understanding of the package and the liabilities—this weird thing that never becomes mainstream—stays niche. That is the issue.
On the EPC, I am encouraged to hear that the Minister’s department is working with the DCLG. This is an important issue; after all, it is a legal requirement, so it is very basic. Before we make new requirements, could we perhaps look at thinking about more public information for tenants? That could include advertising, making sure that tenants are aware of their rights to request a new certificate, and maybe adverts that are being placed should carry EPC certificates, as they often do now when you buy a house. Perhaps tenants need the same. I am encouraged by that and I look forward to hearing more about it.