To ask the Minister of Finance, with reference to the ongoing Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' consultation on its review of water efficiency standards in building regulations, to detail any consideration his Department has given to amending building regulations, to require water-saving features in new build housing.

ANSWER

My Department consulted on reviewing energy efficiency requirements and related areas of Building Regulations in 2023. Consideration was given in that consultation to the introduction of guidance that would provide designers with an option to demonstrate reduced water consumption (125 or fewer litres per person per day) for the purposes of compliance with Part F (Conservation of fuel and power) of the Building Regulations.

Introducing water efficiency guidance to Part F in this way would allow designers here to utilise the full benefits of the latest energy assessment software currently used in England, Wales and Scotland.

A paper seeking agreement to publish the response to that consultation is currently with the Executive.

My officials will continue to keep a watching brief on developments elsewhere in this area for potential impacts on the energy efficiency of buildings.

Water efficiency policy and legislation is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure and the introduction of regulations specifically for water efficiency would be for other departments to consider.