What changes to green policies has the government announced?

Green Policy Changes

Climate change has been a topic at the forefront of both public and political consciousness for several years. Addressing the emissions levels produced by nations across the globe has been the subject of countless summits, demonstrations and protests.

But with growing pressure to meet the targets set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, the government has made several U-turns on its green policy. In September 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak weakened some of the UK’s commitments, drawing criticism from climate activists. He argues, however, that the measures won’t impact the country’s target of reaching net zero by 2050.

What are the changes?

One of the key changes to the government’s green policy was to delay the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales by five years. As such, the requirement for all cars to be zero-emissions will not be enforced until 2035. This brings the UK in line with the EU and other global markets. From 2035, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars will be axed too, meaning only fully electric and hydrogen-powered cars can be sold new.

Now also taking effect in 2035 is the ban on new fossil fuel heating for off-gas-grid households. This nine-year delay means certain homes can continue to install new oil and LPG boilers for much longer. This announcement has cast doubt on the suitability of heat pumps for off-grid homes, contradicting the findings of a research project that investigated the practicalities of installing heat pumps.

The new date for the ban was joined by a raise in the Boiler Upgrade Grant, which makes it cheaper for households to have a heat pump installed. The grant has been increased by 50%, offering £7,500 to homeowners considering heat pump installation instead of the previous £5,000.

Lastly, the government has scrapped the requirement for landlords to ensure their rental properties have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of grade C or higher.

Heat pump installation

The good news from the announcement is the increase in the amount of funding available via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. It means those who want to heat their homes in a greener way may now be able to afford to. Air source heat pumps typically cost between £7,000 and £15,000 to purchase and install, meaning 50-100% of the cost can be covered by the grant. Heat pumps also need minimal maintenance, meaning your outlay on heat pump servicing won’t be costly. Like with boilers, many providers offer heat pump cover, which provides an annual service and 24/7 peace of mind for a low monthly fee.

If you’re considering cleaner energy for your home, get in touch with Aura Heating today. Our MCS certified installers work across the south of England, covering Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Greater London, Berkshire and Dorset. We’ll visit your home at a convenient time to carry out a full site survey, then install your heat pump and help with your grant application. We also offer heat pump servicing and care plans.