MCS responds to government announcement on measures to support low-carbon heating
21 November 2024
On 21 November 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced a series of updates and changes to support the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating. MCS welcomes the measures outlined in the announcement and looks forward to seeing the changes further drive heat pump uptake across the UK.
Here are the key headlines from today’s announcement:
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) has been allocated an additional £30 million of funding for this financial year, while almost doubling the budget for grant vouchers to £295 million for the next financial year.
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS:
“The £7,500 grant makes switching to heat pumps more affordable and accessible for consumers. By requiring MCS certification, those using a Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant can be confident in the quality and performance of their low-carbon heating installations. We welcome any additional funding and look forward to the continued growth.”
A reformed Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) will be introduced on 1 April 2025. The CHMM is designed to increase the uptake of heat pumps across the UK, by setting minimum annual heat pump sales targets for manufacturers. It was announced that there will be government support available for every heat pump installation that is required under the mechanism in 2025-26, as well as a phased approach to ensure supply chains are ready.
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS:
“This is a positive step for the sector. The changes to support the scaling up of the industry address concerns previously expressed. We look forward to continuing our work with the scheme to ensure that heat pump installations are to industry-recognised standards and are accurately recorded and reported. This is crucial in giving everyone confidence in the technology.”
Removal of the rule requiring air source heat pumps to be installed at least 1 metre from a property’s boundary, meaning homeowners no longer need to submit a planning application in England.
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS:
“The changes to Permitted Development Rights are another welcome move that will support the deployment of heat pumps. We have worked to coordinate the industry’s responses and support with updates to tools and our standards, such as the MCS Planning Standard for Permitted Development Installations of Air Source Heat Pumps (MCS 020), to facilitate these changes.”