Delays to landlord energy efficiency standards will cost England’s renters £1bn

Delays mean private tenants in the 2.4m homes with an EPC rating below C will face years of high bills

Private renters face paying an additional £1bn in gas and electricity bills because of delays in the introduction of new standards forcing landlords to make their properties more energy efficient.

The government has been criticised for dragging its feet on enacting new proposals that would require landlords to improve properties to at least a C rating under the energy performance certificate (EPC) scheme.