New housing standards bill set to be introduced by Labour MSP

Labour MSP Alex Rowley is expected to introduce the Bill at Holyrood following the end of a consultation in July.

New housing standards bill in Scotland set to be introduced by Labour MSP — The MSP said the changes would bring down energy bills for residents of new-builds iStock

13th Nov 2022

A Bill which would implement new minimum housing standards in Scotland is to be introduced by a Labour MSP this week.

The Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill would force all new-build properties to meet the Passivhaus standards, include triple-glazed doors and windows, and increased insulation.

Labour MSP Alex Rowley is expected to introduce the Bill at Holyrood following the end of a consultation in July.

Against the backdrop of rising heating costs, Rowley has said the changes would bring down energy bills for residents of new-build properties as well as reducing emissions.

“We are experiencing a perfect storm, with families seeing huge increases in fuel bills whilst at the same time Scotland is failing to meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets,” Rowley said.

“This winter, more and more people are going to be plunged into fuel poverty. We have to take immediate, practical action and the housing sector has to play its part.

“My Bill would ensure that we future-proof all new-build homes by constructing them to the highest possible energy efficiency standards.

“This new standard would not only deliver better housing and improved energy efficiency, it would create new skilled jobs and be of significant benefit to the economy.

“I hope the Scottish Government and all MSPs will sign up to support my Bill.”