# All new homes must be built with air con – Lib Dems

By Ruth Wilkinson — 2026-07-27

All new homes must be built with air con to prepare the UK for “climate shocks” ahead, the Liberal Democrats have said.

Britain is “woefully unprepared” for extreme heat, the party’s environment spokesman Tim Farron has warned, as temperatures in recent months hit record-breaking levels.

The Lib Dems want a package of measures, including a legal requirement for all new-build homes to be fitted with air conditioning or an effective cooling system, powered by solar.

Ruth Wilkinson, head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), said: “Extreme temperatures can have a serious impact on worker health and safety as they can impair concentration and increase fatigue, both of which raise the likelihood of accidents.

“The law already requires employers to provide a reasonable indoor workplace temperature. Bosses are also required to assess workplace risks and take reasonably practicable steps to protect people.

“For hot weather, this can include amending work schedules, moving physically demanding tasks to cooler parts of the day, providing shaded rest areas and free access to drinking water, and relaxing dress codes where appropriate.

“The debate over a UK maximum workplace temperature is an important one. But workers need protection now, not after new legislation has worked its way through parliament.

“Good employers will recognise that safeguarding staff during heatwaves is not simply about compliance; it is also about preventing harm and demonstrating a genuine commitment to a safe, healthy and productive workforce.”

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