Government will be 'flexible' on zero carbon targets

The government will not abandon zero carbon house building targets but will give builders flexibility in achieving them, housing minister Margaret Beckett has said.

In the first indication by the government that it could change the Code for Sustainable Homes, Beckett ruled against a “dogmatic” approach to meeting long-term sustainability goals.

She said there was no question that the zero carbon target would remain along with house building targets.

“Undoubtedly there is pressure to resort to panic measures,” she said.

“Some would like to see me scrap targets for eco-towns, zero carbon housing – everything that we have been working towards.

“It might make a good headline but it would be a cheap and irresponsible move, contrary to the long-term interests of the country.”

Beckett was scheduled to speak at the National House Building Council’s annual lunch but cancelled due to a parliamentary vote. Her speech was read by MP Nick Raynsford.

“The case for zero carbon housing remains as compelling as ever,” the speech said.

“It is in both our interests to work towards long-term objectives. There is no sense being dogmatic about how we get there though.”

Beckett also warned house builders to make staff cuts during the recession sparsely.

“I recognise that when times are tough it looks quick and easy to let people go, but ultimately it is not in the interests of the business,” she said.

“When you lose good people, they are unlikely to come back and so are not around to help businesses flourish and grow when the upturn comes. We saw this in the 1990s. A missing generation lost from the industry with profound effect on capacity that lasted well into this decade.”