Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Bill ‘Needs to reflect reality’

A leading property firm has accused the Scottish Government of setting ‘unachievable’ targets for decarbonising homes and buildings.

DJ Alexander, Scotland’s largest lettings and estate agency, says the Heat in Buildings Bill needs urgent amendment to reflect the ‘reality gap’ highlighted in a recent report by the Just Transition Commission (JTC).

The JTC report, ‘Investment for a just transition: a starting point’, warned that the Scottish Government’s estimated £33bn cost to decarbonise homes and buildings is ‘more like £130bn’.

The report states: “We need to get really serious about the costs of achieving Net Zero, who’s going to pay, and how.”

It also highlighted a severe shortage of skilled workers to carry out the necessary work.

‘Clean heating system by 2045’

David Alexander, the chief executive of DJ Alexander, said: “The Heat in Buildings Bill has outlined deadlines for all homes and businesses to move to a clean heating system by 2045.

“For homeowners and landlords, the targets remain too ambitious and impossible to meet given the funding and infrastructure currently available.”

He highlights that the targets for minimum energy efficiency standards to make them warmer and less expensive to heat while are for all homes by the end of 2033.

However, Mr Alexander says private landlords will need to do this by the end of 2028 with a commitment of £1.8 billion in funding to 2026 to support its delivery.

£1.8bn over the next two years

He added: “A commitment of £1.8bn over the next two years to meet a potential bill of £130bn by 2045 highlights just how unachievable any of these targets are.

“With 28,000 people needed to be trained to do this work and little sign of any major investment in ensuring these skills are available, the gap between ambition and reality remains enormous.”

Mr Alexander continued: “What we have here is a damning appraisal of the current decarbonising policy.

“A major revision of the Heat in Scotland Bill is immediately required which will set realistic targets, ensure the private rented sector is not damaged, and introduce a workable, negotiated policy with the housing sector.”

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