The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) welcomes the Government's commitment in its Warm Homes, Greener Homes Household Energy Management Strategy to improve energy efficiency of existing homes, which are some of the oldest and least energy-efficient in Europe.

Sarah Webb, CIH Chief Executive, said: "We are particularly pleased that the Government has proposed a new 'Warm Homes' standard for social housing, something that CIH has been calling for since 2007. It represents a key step in tackling the UK's carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty. We hope that a similar standard for private sector housing will follow in due course.

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"This new standard could build on the work of the Decent Homes programme, which CIH helped to establish in 2000, where millions of social rented homes in England have been improved to meet minimum standards. Like the Decent Homes programme we hope this initiative not only improves stock condition but also helps support the training and employment of many professionals operating across the housing profession."

(CD/NS)