Energy Ratings June 2006

Every home bought and sold in England will have its own energy rating from June 2006, the planning minister Yvette Cooper has announced.

Ms Cooper said house buyers should receive certificates on energy efficiency and carbon emissions.

With climate change fears and rising energy costs in mind, Ms Cooper told the BBC: "I think people should be entitled to this kind of information about the home they buy."

Explaining the rationale behind the certificates, she said: "You can get this kind of consumer information on fridges and washing machines, so why not on a home where the emissions - and the savings - are so much greater?

"By providing people with sound advice on how to improve energy efficiency this will help sellers and buyers who want to do their bit to cut carbon emissions as well as cutting their fuel bills too."

Certificates will form part of the new home information pack, in which each house will be given a rating from A to G.

Information will also detail the average costs for heating, hot water and lighting.

Home information packs will also include survey and search information.

Proponents said they will speed up the buying and selling process.

Critics from the Conservative party claim the scheme is a waste of money.

The average cost of a pack is estimated at between £600 to £700 plus VAT.

The law on energy saving certificates is due to come into effect two years ahead of the European directive set for 2009.