New guidance has been published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to help local authorities to improve the energy efficiency of their residential housing.

Issued under the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA), the new guidance asks local authorities to publish a report on their plans to achieve improved energy efficiency by 31 March 2013. Local authorities will be required to identify practicable and cost-effective measures which will lead to a significant energy reduction in all residential accommodation in their area.

The guidance also asks authorities to think about the role key local partners, such as social housing providers and community organisations, can play in backing their plans.

Local authorities are in the best position to assess the green needs and ambitions of their areas, the Government believes. A well developed report in response to HECA, highlighting key opportunities, will help attract potential funding partners to work with the authority and other local community groups and stakeholders to the benefit of local residents and businesses.

The new HECA guidance will provide a clear outline of what is required, and local authorities will have to report on progress in implementing their proposed measures every two years.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: "Local authorities have a vital role to play in improving the energy efficiency of residential homes in their areas, and helping us meet our ambitious energy targets. This new robust guidance will support and encourage all local authorities to realise the significant benefits of upgrading homes.

"The Green Deal will be a fantastic tool to help with this, and I look forward to hearing how local authorities are using it to enable people to save energy and money."