asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of their commitment to tackling climate change, whether they will consider keeping a central register of enforcement by local authorities of energy efficiency requirements under Part L of the Building Regulations. [HL858]

Enforcement of the Building Regulations is a matter for each local authority in England and Wales. Most enforcement is carried out informally through the provision of advice and guidance. Local authorities have formal powers to prosecute breaches of Building Regulations or to serve a notice requiring work to be brought into compliance with the standards in the regulations. In the vast majority of cases it is not necessary for these formal powers to be used to ensure compliance.

Information on formal enforcement actions is available from local authorities. The Government do not consider that the cost of setting up and maintaining a central register would be justified.

To enhance the ability of local authorities to prosecute breaches of Part L of the Building Regulations in appropriate cases the Government intend within the next few months to lay regulations to extend the time limit within which such prosecutions must be taken from six months to two years. This extension should act as a further deterrent and encourage a higher level of compliance.