To ask the Minister for the Economy how he is working with the Minister for Communities to ensure the Energy Enforcement Certificates being brought forward through the Private Tenancies Bill (NIA Bill 32/17-22) will be included in the Energy Strategy that his Department is bringing forward.

The Energy Strategy covers the full breath of energy policy across government, and the Department for Communities have been closely involved in this work.

The recent consultation on policy options for the upcoming energy strategy sought views on whether minimum energy efficiency standards should be set to drive improvements in building stock. It also asked consultees to consider which types of buildings should be early priorities and identified the private rented sector as a potential option. The consultation ended on 2 July.

I understand that, as part of their work on the Private Tenancies Bill, the Department for Communities are currently exploring mechanisms for setting energy standards for the private rented sector. Officials in my Department are working closely with DfC colleagues on this matter.