The government has strongly denied claims made by The Guardian newspaper that it has “watered down” building regulations supposed to be 25% tougher than the ones introduced in 2003. The Guardian said that housing and planning minister Yvette Cooper wants to drop plans for energy efficiency improvements in existing homes which have an extension or are to be refurbished, with regulations for new buildings postponed until next year. The Guardian claims that the new regulations would only improve energy efficiency by 18% rather than the 20% to 30% the environment minister Elliott Morley was hoping for. But Morley said: “I have no doubt about the ODPM’s commitment to delivery on the targets. I believe the ODPM is looking to go further than was planned and advise the industry to be wary of what they read in newspapers.” A spokesperson for the ODPM said: "It was never the intention to make an announcement on Part L of the Building Regulations this week. "The government's response to the Part L consultation is due this summer and we are on track to do so. Changes will be introduced in 2006 and there is no question of the regulations being 'watered down'. "Already better …