Skipton Group is calling on the UK government to introduce incentives and support measures in the Autumn Budget to help landlords meet the new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C target by 2030. Charlotte Harrison, CEO of Home Financing at Skipton Group, emphasized the importance of landlords in the UK housing market and highlighted the challenges they face in making properties more energy-efficient.

Harrison outlined several ways the government could assist landlords in meeting the EPC target. These include making energy improvement costs tax-deductible, offering government grants, or introducing a matching scheme where the government matches landlords’ spending on energy improvements on a £1-for-£1 basis. Harrison noted that while homeowners and social tenants have received more incentives in the past, there is now an opportunity to provide equal support to landlords.

Skipton Group is actively contributing to these efforts through its EPC Plus offering, which partners with Vibrant to provide landlords with tailored advice on how to upgrade their properties, improve energy efficiency, and identify funding options. This initiative not only supports landlords in achieving the EPC Band C rating but also helps reduce tenants’ energy bills.

The call for support comes as landlords face increasing pressure to decarbonize their properties and contribute to the UK’s net-zero goals, while also addressing issues related to the cost of living and the energy crisis.