15^th July 2016

In parallel to completing the Review report, we are now beginning to look at how the recommendations can be implemented. Elements of this were discussed at the last few implementation board meetings  and an action plan is beginning to take shape. The intention is to develop the detail of the implementation plan over the coming few months.

We are still negotiating a report publication date and will let you know when that will be when we know.

The Quality Mark proposed through the Review will have the following features.  It would be:

·        clearly identifiable to consumers as providing quality and protection

·        supported by a consumer charter, code of conduct and technical codes of practice

·        owned by an industry-led board

·        delivered through existing organisations and accreditation schemes

·        applicable to all work undertaken by participants holding the Mark, whether under Government supported schemes such as ECO or independently

·       On Wednesday 13^th July, Pam Wynne and Matt Webb attended a meeting at the British Standards Institution (BSI) along with cross industry stakeholders to discuss a revision to the PAS 2030 standard.

·        Matt Webb attended the British Rigid Urethane Foam Manufacturers’ Association (BRUFMA) conference on Thursday 14^th July to provide an update on the Review findings.

·        Also on Thursday 14^th July, Richard Mellish, DECC deputy director for Home & Local Energy, met with the  Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) where he gave a presentation on ECO and also spoke about the Bonfield Review report.

Future Events

Report of Session 2015–16, Home energy efficiency and demand reduction (HC 552).

On 4^th July 2016 the Committee received the Government’s response to the Report. This can be found via the following link: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmenergy/542/542.pdf

The introduction to this report which reflects the work we are currently doing in our Review is detailed below for ease (Review section highlighted in bold).

1.The Government welcomes the Committee’s continued interest in household energy

efficiency and demand reduction. Improving energy efficiency brings a range of benefits

to UK households, including lower energy bills, improved comfort and health and wellbeing,

as well as helping to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions.

2. That is why this Government has already taken action to reform its approach to

energy efficiency; we are working to give consumers greater control over their energy use

and have committed to ensuring that every home and business in the country is offered

a smart meter by the end of 2020. This will help consumers identify where they may be

wasting energy–helping them to lower bills.

3. We are also reforming the Energy Company Obligation and the Warm Home

Discount to take on board lessons from previous policies and to make them simpler and

more effective. Importantly, we are focussing them on those who need help the most. We

believe that the ECO obligation is the best way to tackle fuel poverty.

4. The Government’s view is that there is a need for a policy framework that is based less

on subsidy. This will require more market-led approaches, underpinned by clear advice

and robust standards. Fundamental to that is ensuring consumers have confidence in

measures they install. We are therefore working with industry, through Peter Bonfield’s

Review, to ensure that consumers who carry out improvements to their homes will be

properly supported and protected through a robust quality and standards framework. We

expect the review’s report, setting out Peter Bonfield’s recommendations, to be published

shortly.

Peter Bonfield, Kanta Nar, Ben Golding, Matt Webb, Pam Wynne, Lynne Ebdon, Diana Menville and;

We welcome your interest in the work-streams, so please continue to send in your contributions, thoughts and comments to our joint email account, BonfieldReview@decc.gsi.gov.uk