Has Labour called last orders for log burners?

Front door shut, curtains drawn and a gentle flame flickering in the fireplace. For many, an open fire or wood burning stove is an essential part of winter cosiness but could a new political shift spell last orders for log burners?

The question is up for discussion this season as Labour has just announced its intention to introduce a new environmental improvement plan (EIP). The Government wants to reduce the volume of pollutants in our atmosphere and one they are focused on is PM2.5 particulates. These are tiny, but harmful, particles released as a byproduct of burning wood.

Rallying to reduce harmful pollutants

The Government’s fears are not misplaced. The World Health Organisation considers PM2.5 particulates to be among the most harmful to human health. The UK already has PM2.5 particulate targets, designed to push the pollutant levels down towards EU guidelines, but the UK is lagging behind. 

In fact, our appetite for burning wood and coal at home is not diminishing, peaking during the coldest months, and coming at a time when gas and electricity unit costs are at some of their highest levels. The EU has recently tightened its PM2.5 particulate target and Labour has pledged to match it, which will require drastic action.

Snuffing out smoke

It is expected a consultation led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will explore bolstering rules in existing smoke control areas. These are areas where homeowners are limited to the type of fuel they can use in open fires and log burners, usually to only smokeless fuels. 

You may be wondering how extensive smoke control areas are. The answer is, more widespread than you think! For example, the whole of Glasgow is designated a smoke control area, while many local authorities are disposing of small, localised control zones in favour of making entire boroughs smoke control areas. If your top property priority is an open fire or log burner, you can use this interactive Defra map to establish if your home, or a property you want to move to, is in a smoke control area. 

A lifeline for log burners

So, what would Labour’s EIP mean for those who already own a log burner and for those who would like to install one in a future property? Suggestions indicate the change would primarily restrict the type of log burners that could be sold, rather than result in an outright ban.

Owners of older wood burners already in situ would not be forced to rip them out but we mustn't rule out legislation that forces (or encourages) people to switch to smokeless fuels, if possible. 

The EIP’s focus, however, will be on the type of wood burning stoves that are sold moving forwards and there is good news on this point. The heating industry already has something called the Cleaner Choices standards and experts say the wood burners, multifuel stoves and pellet stoves that are already manufactured to meet Cleaner Choice standards will meet incoming EIP PM2.5 particulate targets. There are also log burners being sold to today that are suitable for smoke control areas.

Stay of execution for gas boilers

Shortly after initial details of a new EIP were published, Labour made a second home heating announcement. It had wanted to phase out the sale and installation of new gas boilers by 2035 – a move that was designed to push homeowners towards greener sources of heat - but this ambition has been shelved.

Instead there will be multi-billion pound warm home schemes in operation across the UK. Many homeowners will be able to apply for funding to switch to heat pumps, solar panels and more efficient insulation. 

Talk to us about your next property move and how you’d like to heat your home in the future. Our team is ready with advice, and a selection of available houses and flats.