A robust and transparent home buying system that promotes greater energy efficiency is needed for the UK to fully meet the needs of homebuyers and successfully face the challenge of climate change, Northgate Information Solutions said today.

In a response to the Conservative Party's home buying review, Northgate welcomes the implementation of energy performance certificates (EPCs) for homes, arguing that they are crucial to reducing the country's carbon footprint and changing attitudes to energy efficiency. However, the submission states that if this is to occur, citizens must be given greater access to energy performance information, strengthening public trust in the system.

Northgate urged local authorities to take a leading role in encouraging consumer action on the advice contained within EPCs. The company adds that councils should be given full access to energy performance information of homes within their area, monitoring progress in individual areas and enforcing targeted action to encourage changes in behaviour.

Northgate highlights further key steps needed to be taken to create an energy efficient home buying system including:

- raising citizen awareness about the role of EPCs through greater transparency and enhanced information available to the public; - better informing citizens of the ways to offer their feedback and make complaints; - creating an online channel linked to the central government register to enable citizens to review the energy efficiency performance of the home they wish to buy.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property at Northgate Public Services, said today: “Our homes are responsible for 27% of the country's carbon emissions. Achieving deep cuts in emissions is critical if we are to tackle climate change and deliver healthy and sustainable communities. We must maximise the benefits of Energy Performance Certificates and ensure that all homebuyers are given access to comprehensive information for attitudes towards energy efficiency to improve.

In addition, fair markets must operate across the home-buying system ensuring full transparency in the contracting out of energy efficiency services by government. The process of buying and selling a home should fully address the needs of consumers demanding a fast and effective system whilst doing more to ensure the UK can meet the challenge of climate change.”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

1. Northgate Information Solutions is a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets. Northgate's task is to enhance public value through the intelligent use of people and technology, and to share in the economic and social benefits that this brings.

2. In the UK, the company works with four out of five local authorities and every police force. Northgate supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Its technology and services are used in the energy efficiency assessment of new dwellings and existing buildings. It currently operates the accreditation scheme for domestic energy assessors in England and Wales. Its services are used in the management of over three million local authority and housing association properties worldwide. Founded in 1969, the company has over 6,500 employees.

For more information:

Fellows' Associates Kathy Sutton Tel: 020 7849 3403 Mobile: 07966 890401 Email: ksutton@fellowsassociates.com