Labour’s plan to ban gas boilers in new homes by 2027 has received backlash, with experts blasting Sir Keir Starmer’s green agenda as “nasty” and “authoritarian”.
The new regulations will require homeowners to install electric heat pumps or other non-gas alternatives in their new-build properties.
Former research director at the Institute of Economic Affairs Richard Wellings said: “The Government’s radical green agenda is becoming nastier and more authoritarian.
“Their next step will be to ban homeowners from replacing gas boilers in existing properties. The result: even worse fuel poverty and greater reliance on state handouts.”
Richard Wellings branded the Government’s move as “nasty” and increasingly “authoritarian” (Stock)
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The measure aims to slash carbon emissions across all new homes by up to 80 per cent, marking a significant shift in Britain’s domestic heating policy.
Rules for the gas boiler ban are expected to be announced as early as May 2024, although enforcement will not begin until 2026.
A 12-month grace period will follow the legislation to ensure housebuilders can prepare adequately for the transition brought about by the legislation.
The timeline has followed a consultation on the Future Homes Standard policy – which was initially launched by the previous Conservative Government.
However, industry experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of scaling up heat pump installations to meet future demand.
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Executive director of the Home Builders Federation Steve Turner warned about supply chain challenges, saying: “We need to make sure the heat pump supply chain will be in place.”
Current installation rates stand at just 35,000 units annually – far below the 300,000 required to match housing construction targets.
Noting this figure does not include retrofitting existing homes, Turner added: “The supply chain will need a significant scale-up.”
Beyond heat pump supply concerns, Turner also highlighted that the shift from gas heating to electric alternatives will significantly increase electricity demand, causing potential strain on the National Grid.
The National Grid will need to boost its capacity to ensure sufficient electricity supply to replace current gas systems
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Emphasising the importance of grid resilience, Turner warned: “If you’re not using gas for heating, that will load more onto the grid, we need to make sure there’s enough resilience within that.”
The National Grid will also need to boost its capacity to ensure sufficient electricity supply to replace current gas systems.
As part of its green energy initiative to make all homes boiler-free by 2030, the Government has sought to promote increased use of solar panels – but has said that it will not enforce installation.
A spokesman said: “We remain committed to delivering highly efficient new homes that will become net zero as the grid decarbonises.
“All options set out in the future homes standard consultation would result in significant emissions reductions compared to previous standards.”