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Southport Liberal Democrat’s have welcomed the recent decision to mandate solar panels on almost all new homes from 2027, under the new Future Homes Standard.

The policy — set to become part of UK building regulations — means that around 99% of new-build homes will be legally required to include rooftop solar panels and low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps. The full regulations will be published in autumn 2025, with implementation beginning in 2027.

Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson’s Sunshine Bill in Parliament earlier this year helped put pressure on government ministers to adopt the policy. The Bill, proposed mandatory solar panel installation on new homes — an idea now set to be embedded in law through building regulations.

“This is a victory for common sense, the environment and future homeowners,” said  Mike Sammon, Lib Dem Councillor for Cambridge Ward  “We know that solar power saves money on bills and reduces carbon emissions — and now it will finally be the norm for new homes.”

Cllr Mike Sammon has also previously challenged Sefton Council’s own housing company, Sandway Homes, over why solar panels were not being installed as standard on their developments.

“If national government can get this right, there’s no excuse for local councils to lag behind,” he added. “Sefton should act now to update its own standards, so we lead the way instead of playing catch-up.”

The Government estimates households could save over £500 a year on energy bills under the new regulations, while also helping the UK . Southport Lib Dems welcome mandate for solar panels on new builds and calls on Sefton Council to up its net zero game .