Since the Chancellor’s statement at the Conservative Party Conference, there are rumours circulating that the Green Deal may be scrapped. This follows hot on the heels of the further postponement (until April 2012) of the revised requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

Does all this point to a U-turn by the Government on energy policy and climate change initiatives? Andrew Morphet, Managing Director of Synergy Property Services Ltd., gives us his latest thoughts:

“I don’t believe so. What George Osborne said related to a previously stated ambition for the UK to meet its carbon emission targets quicker than its legal obligation...

Last month we reported that the implementation of the latest Energy Bill (the revisions to the Energy Performance in Buildings Regulations - EPBR) had been postponed until the autumn. With summer now upon us, we wondered if the energy gurus and politicians had perhaps taken an extended summer break: We asked Andrew Morphet, Managing Director of Synergy Property Services Limited if he’d seen any signs:

“I’m pleased to say, there has been a lot happening in July – although not all of it positive. Despite assurances from Chris Huhne, Secretary of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that the Green Deal will be delivered on time; the shelving of the Energy Bill until October is an issue that must ultimately have an effect. It is also likely to have an adverse effect on the DECC’s timeline for the Green Deal proposals. The timeline was already ambitious - now it is almost impossible for this to be met.”

With news that proposed changes to the Energy Performance in Buildings (EPB) Regulations (EPB) have been delayed 'indefinitely', Andrew Morphet, Managing Director of Synergy Property Services comments; “These proposed changes were to be an important step in the energy and climate change strategy of the UK: Not least, they would help achieve our legally binding Green Deal commitment to meet pre-determined carbon emission targets. At present, we are falling behind with the programme to become a low-carbon economy; this means more will need to be done, at a greater pace and a greater cost, as the deadline draws closer.

Andrew Morphet, MD of Energy Consultant Synergy Property Services Ltd. states “I believe Energy Assessors are best placed to lead the consultancy to home and business owners once the Green Deal scheme is launched, but up to now they have not been represented on Forums set up to help formulate workable implementation plans and shape training requirements .”

It seems that the two departments involved in energy matters - DCLG (Communities and Local Government) and DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) - do not communicate too well with each other. This is highlighted in the new rules on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) due to be implemented on July 1.

It is understood that civil servants at the two departments are arguing about one of the most important changes: the inclusion of a full EPC on all property details.