To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the performance in reaching residential energy efficiency targets of (a) local authorities in England, (b) local authorities in each region and (c) each London local authority in respect of (i) private, (ii) registered social landlord and (iii) local authority housing; and if she will make a statement. (185755)

I have been asked to reply.

The 1995 Home Energy Conservation Act requires local authorities with housing responsibility to prepare a strategy for improving energy efficiency within residential accommodation in their areas and report annually on progress. Since 1996, authorities have reported an average total improvement of approximately 19 per cent. to 31 March 2006. A breakdown of reported progress by English region can be found on the DEFRA website.

Results for the period up to 31 March 2007 will be published shortly.

A number of programmes are likely to have contributed to this improvement in energy efficiency, particularly the Energy Efficiency Commitment, Warm Front and Decent Homes.

It is important to note that the figures have not been independently verified and that, because Home Energy Conservation Act strategies and monitoring techniques differ, the information should not be used to compare the performance of authorities.