Reading between the lines and with tinfoil hat firmly in place, I either sense a new tax in the offing or I have been out in the midday sun for too long today.

Take the following snippets from the Coalition Program (pdf) :

We will retain energy performance
certificates while scrapping HIPs.

…

Through our ‘Green Deal’, we will encourage
home energy efficiency improvements paid
for by savings from energy bills.

…

We will require continuous improvements to
the energy efficiency of new housing.

…

We will promote the radical devolution of
power and greater financial autonomy to local
government and community groups. This will
include a review of local government finance.

…

We will establish a smart grid and roll out
smart meters.

What better way to “encourage home energy efficiency improvements” and provide funding for local councils than to raise a local tax based on the measured energy efficiency of each property?

I cannot see any other reasons for retaining energy performance certificates and would not be at all surprised to see everyone’s house assessed when the smart meters are rolled out.

All of which should make the weirdy beardies wet their cords with excitement.