But opposition MPs criticise Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill for no mention of zero carbon

The national planning policy framework to be published next month will aim to 鈥渄rive up improved environmental outcomes鈥�, Michael Gove has told the House of Commons.

The housing secretary made the comments following criticism of the lack of green commitments in the government鈥檚 flagship Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which had its second reading in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon.

Men installing solar panels on roof

Source: Shutterstock

New building regulations covering green issues come into force next week

Shadow housing secretary, Labour鈥檚 Lisa Nandy, said there was not a 鈥渟ingle mention of net zero in the bill鈥�.

Meanwhile, Green MP Caroline Lucas said there was no reference to the net zero test in the levelling up regeneration bill, with the test, which estimates the impact of policy decisions on greenhouse gas emissions, 鈥渃onspicuous by its absence鈥�, she said.

But Gove said: 鈥淭he national planning policy framework that will be published in July will say significantly more about how we can drive improved environmental outcomes.鈥�

The government has previously set out a target of cutting carbon across all sectors of the UK economy to reach a net zero target by 2050.

Next week 黑洞社区 Regulations will change, requiring homes to achieve an overall reduction in carbon emissions of 31%, and in 2050 the Future Homes Standard comes into effect, which will require homes to emit 75% to 80% less carbon than under current regulations.

Gove pledged to 鈥渄o everything I can to work鈥� with regional mayors to ensure spatial planning is progressing to the net zero carbon target.