Politics · United Kingdom · 16 hrs ago
Tories propose scrapping future homes standard as Greens shift on nuclear power
At its party conference, the Conservative party said it would scrap the future homes standard if it wins the next UK general election.
The standard would require new homes to use low-carbon energy and include measures such as heat pumps, solar panels and insulation.
The UK needs about 6 million new homes, and building them without these features could leave residents with higher energy bills.
Estimates cited in the story put the cost of adding the equipment during construction at £5,000 to £8,000, while fitting it later could cost more than £20,000.
The UK Green Building Council says housebuilders have already prepared for the standard, and warns that reversing course could slow progress.
The Conservatives also propose abolishing the Environment Agency and Natural England, which oversee environmental protection.
In a separate change, the Green party has dropped its long-standing opposition to nuclear power, though it still prioritises renewable energy.
Green MPs may now support new nuclear reactors as a source of low-carbon electricity.
Kemi Badenoch made scrapping the Future Homes Standard a central part of her bid to become prime minister at the Conservative party conference.
The standard would require new homes to use measures such as solar panels, heat pumps and high-grade insulation.
The Guardian says removing it could leave households with higher energy bills and make later retrofits more expensive.
The Green party voted to end its longstanding opposition to nuclear power, while continuing to prioritise renewable energy.
- Who
- The Conservative party, led by Kemi Badenoch, and the Green party.
- What
- The Conservatives proposed scrapping the Future Homes Standard; the Greens ended their longstanding opposition to nuclear power.
- When
- At the Conservative party conference this week; the Green party decision was made last weekend. The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- The UK.
- Why
- The Greens recognised nuclear power’s potential role in low-carbon generation. The Conservatives’ reason for proposing to scrap the standard is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Every home constructed today that runs on fossil fuels is a liability for the occupants.
The housebuilding industry has spent years preparing for the introduction of the FHS, investing in skills, supply chains and new products.
The Green party resolved to abandon its longstanding opposition to nuclear power.
Kemi Badenoch made scrapping the Future Homes Standard a central plank of her bid to become prime minister at the Conservative party conference.
- Homes needed
- Approximately 6 million
- Cost at construction
- £5,000 to £8,000 for heat pumps, solar panels, batteries and insulation
- Annual bill savings
- More than £1,300, according to the Guardian
- Retrofit cost
- More than £20,000
- Article publication
- 11 October 2026
Sources
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