Recommendations & Conclusions
39 items
1
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
Ineffective historic heating policy and the absence of a clear, strategic policy direction for low carbon heating has created confusion and uncertainty in the transition to low carbon heating and has affected investor confidence. We welcome the long overdue publication of the Heat and Buildings Strategy. However, a greater amount …
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Ineffective historic heating policy and the absence of a clear, strategic policy direction for low carbon heating has created confusion and uncertainty in the transition to low carbon heating and has affected investor confidence. We welcome the long overdue publication of the Heat and Buildings Strategy. However, a greater amount of clarity is required to give the sector certainty and a clear direction of travel.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for clarity and outlines its approach, including aiming for as many homes as possible to reach EPC C by 2035 and phasing out natural gas boilers by 2035, with strategic decisions on heat by 2026.
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Department for Business and Trade
2
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
Evidence was clear that for low carbon heating installations to work effectively and to heat homes adequately, properties need to be upgraded to the correct levels of energy efficiency. It is critical then that Government policies and strategies are interlinked. If people are encouraged to switch to low carbon heating …
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Evidence was clear that for low carbon heating installations to work effectively and to heat homes adequately, properties need to be upgraded to the correct levels of energy efficiency. It is critical then that Government policies and strategies are interlinked. If people are encouraged to switch to low carbon heating sources without the knowledge or incentive for energy efficiency upgrades, then there are risks of scheme failure and loss of public trust if the new low carbon heating sources are not heating homes to the desired temperature and insulation.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for interlinked policies and highlights its plans, including a strategic decision on hydrogen by 2026, the Future Homes Standard, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
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Department for Business and Trade
3
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
To successfully decarbonise domestic heating in time to deliver net zero by 2050, the Government must provide clear, strategic direction and guidance. The Government must now focus on providing a coherent policy environment that encourages policy consistency and certainty in the transition to low carbon domestic heat.
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To successfully decarbonise domestic heating in time to deliver net zero by 2050, the Government must provide clear, strategic direction and guidance. The Government must now focus on providing a coherent policy environment that encourages policy consistency and certainty in the transition to low carbon domestic heat.
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Government response AI summary
The government says it has published its response to the Heat Networks Market Framework consultation, outlining proposals for regulation and appointing Ofgem as the heat networks regulator to ensure fair pricing and reliable supply.
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Department for Business and Trade
4
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Deferred
We call on Ministers to publish a heat technology road map, produced in partnership with chief technologists from industry partners, to clearly set out the development, scale up and integration milestones of different low carbon heating technologies, and the associated interventions, such as energy efficiency upgrades, and initiatives required to …
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We call on Ministers to publish a heat technology road map, produced in partnership with chief technologists from industry partners, to clearly set out the development, scale up and integration milestones of different low carbon heating technologies, and the associated interventions, such as energy efficiency upgrades, and initiatives required to hit our heating targets in the UK. This should be published by September
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Government response AI summary
The government redirects by stating that consumer protection for heat networks is a reserved matter across Great Britain and that they are working closely with the Scottish Government on consumer protection rules, and sharing lessons on zoning policies.
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Department for Business and Trade
5
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
We congratulate the Department on its work on heat networks, including the consultation on heat network zoning. We support the rollout of heat networks across the country, the retrofitting of high-density housing, and the installation of heat networks in new build developments. However, we recognise the real concerns of consumers …
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We congratulate the Department on its work on heat networks, including the consultation on heat network zoning. We support the rollout of heat networks across the country, the retrofitting of high-density housing, and the installation of heat networks in new build developments. However, we recognise the real concerns of consumers who are often given no choice but to receive their energy supply from one designated supplier. Whilst the introduction of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations has helped, we call on Ministers to urgently give Ofgem the mandate and resources to expand and enforce consumer protections in the heat network market, recognising the often monopoly status of some providers in certain areas of the country.
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Government response AI summary
The Government acknowledges concerns around heat networks and mentions its support for the market, data publication and forthcoming regulatory framework, but does not specifically commit to giving Ofgem the mandate and resources to expand and enforce consumer protections.
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Department for Business and Trade
6
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Not Addressed
We recommend that the Government consider the Scottish Government’s approach of legislation for heat networks. If Ministers disagree with the approach taken in Scotland, an explanation in response to this report is required.
Government response AI summary
The Government states that the Future Homes Standard delivers on Net Zero commitments, that they have accelerated work on a full technical specification and plan to launch a full consultation in 2023 and introduce legislation in 2024, ahead of full implementation in 2025.
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Department for Business and Trade
7
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
Furthermore, the Government must rapidly develop its data collection and records on the location of heat networks, and statistics about their use. Without a detailed understanding of how many heat networks are operational in the UK and where they 54 Decarbonising Heat in Homes are located, the Government cannot effectively …
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Furthermore, the Government must rapidly develop its data collection and records on the location of heat networks, and statistics about their use. Without a detailed understanding of how many heat networks are operational in the UK and where they 54 Decarbonising Heat in Homes are located, the Government cannot effectively regulate the use of heat networks. We recommend that the Government publish annual statistics about their use on its website.
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Government response AI summary
The Government states it will continue to make the case for moving quickly to Net Zero and expects social housing landlords to help tenants to understand why works are required to their homes and the benefits of the transition, and commits to considering a long-term …
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Department for Business and Trade
8
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
We note that the then Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government felt it only played a “limited role” in the decarbonisation of heating in housing and demand that Ministers prioritise this crucial work more clearly in the future.
Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the need to phase out fossil fuel heating systems, using market trigger points and learning from the transition to low carbon transport, but doesn't commit to anything specific in response to the committee's statement.
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Department for Business and Trade
9
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
The Future Homes Standard is another key policy in the Energy White Paper. It aims for new build homes to be fitted with low carbon heating, and high levels of energy efficiency to ensure that homes built to the Future Homes Standard will be zero carbon ready and have 75% …
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The Future Homes Standard is another key policy in the Energy White Paper. It aims for new build homes to be fitted with low carbon heating, and high levels of energy efficiency to ensure that homes built to the Future Homes Standard will be zero carbon ready and have 75% to 80% lower carbon emissions than those built to current standards. Considering the Government aims to build one million homes in this Parliament alone, which will be heated by fossil fuel heating systems, it is naïve to assume that these homes will not need to be retrofitted at significant cost. This will be particularly detrimental to families on low incomes and to developments by housing associations.
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Government response AI summary
The government is committed to phasing out high-carbon fossil fuel heating in buildings off the gas grid during the 2020s, primarily through electrification of heat, but recognizes the need for a pace that works for industry and consumers, including targeted financial measures and regulations, with …
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Department for Business and Trade
10
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
We acknowledge that the Government wants to give industry the time to develop its supply chains; however, this appears to be to the detriment of new build homeowners, who will have to pay to retrofit their homes. It is unnecessary to wait until 2025 to implement the Future Homes Standard. …
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We acknowledge that the Government wants to give industry the time to develop its supply chains; however, this appears to be to the detriment of new build homeowners, who will have to pay to retrofit their homes. It is unnecessary to wait until 2025 to implement the Future Homes Standard. To minimise expensive retrofit costs, the Government should bring forward the implementation of the Future Homes Standard to 2023 instead of 2025.
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Government response AI summary
The government states they are taking a range of measures to ensure the market can deliver 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028, including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a market mechanism for low carbon heating from 2024, and the Future Homes Standard from 2025.
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Department for Business and Trade
11
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Not Addressed
We also call on Ministers to set out, in response to this report, what measures are being considered to assist tenants who rent their homes in managing the transition to low carbon heating with their landlords; and what support might be put in place for housing associations and equivalent social …
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We also call on Ministers to set out, in response to this report, what measures are being considered to assist tenants who rent their homes in managing the transition to low carbon heating with their landlords; and what support might be put in place for housing associations and equivalent social housing providers with the costs of retrofitting newly built houses heated by gas boilers.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on the ambition for heat pump installations and domestic production, without addressing support for tenants or housing associations regarding low carbon heating transition.
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Department for Business and Trade
12
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
Delivering net zero by 2050 will require a ban on the installation of fossil fuel heating systems by the mid-2030s at the latest. We note that the Government signalling, instead of setting, an end-date for the phase out of gas boilers fails to give industry and consumers a clear date …
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Delivering net zero by 2050 will require a ban on the installation of fossil fuel heating systems by the mid-2030s at the latest. We note that the Government signalling, instead of setting, an end-date for the phase out of gas boilers fails to give industry and consumers a clear date to work towards in decarbonising home heating. We urge the sector to come forward with more ambitious plans for pricing and innovation to encourage a robust regulatory framework.
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Government response AI summary
The government discusses the Green Home Finance Innovation Fund, the Green Home Finance Accelerator Programme (doubling funding to £20 million), and consultation on incentivizing mortgage lenders, but doesn't directly commit to a ban on fossil fuel heating systems or more ambitious plans for pricing and …
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Department for Business and Trade
13
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
We recommend that in the context of the phasing out of gas boilers, the Government adopts a clear and specific end-date by regulating through legislation the phase out of gas boilers. We also recommend that the Government sets out its plan on how it expects the industry and consumers to …
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We recommend that in the context of the phasing out of gas boilers, the Government adopts a clear and specific end-date by regulating through legislation the phase out of gas boilers. We also recommend that the Government sets out its plan on how it expects the industry and consumers to phase out the installation and use of gas boilers by 2035. (Paragraph 61) Supply chains and skills
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Government response AI summary
The Government outlines the measures being taken to ensure the market is in place to deliver on the ambition of 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028, including financial support, market intervention and regulations. They are working with industry to ensure the enabling conditions are …
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Department for Business and Trade
14
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
It is vital that the Government should meet its target to deliver a minimum of 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 or it will fall off course in delivering net zero by
Government response AI summary
The government describes its plans for a market-based mechanism and consultation but does not directly address how it will meet the 600,000 heat pump target, only stating that the mechanisms are *designed to deliver* on the ambition.
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Department for Business and Trade
15
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
We ask the Government to set out in response to this report the intended milestones and targets it has in place to ensure that the UK meets its 2028 target and what funding it will put in place to ensure that each of these milestones is met. The Government must …
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We ask the Government to set out in response to this report the intended milestones and targets it has in place to ensure that the UK meets its 2028 target and what funding it will put in place to ensure that each of these milestones is met. The Government must outline what contingencies it has in place to make sure that the heat pump target is fulfilled. The Government must have integrated and coherent policies, such as an effective energy efficiency programme that complements and aligns with the target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028.
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Government response AI summary
The Government will run a Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition in 2022 worth up to £30 million to ramp up domestic manufacture of heat pumps.
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Department for Business and Trade
16
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
To ensure that the UK does not fall off course in achieving its targets for carbon emissions reductions, we recommend that the Government works with industry to consider how the Climate Change Committee’s advice to deliver 900,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 can be achieved.
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To ensure that the UK does not fall off course in achieving its targets for carbon emissions reductions, we recommend that the Government works with industry to consider how the Climate Change Committee’s advice to deliver 900,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 can be achieved.
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Government response AI summary
The Government states it is already working closely with industry to ensure high-quality training is available and mentions coordinated action through the Electrification of Heat Task Group and the upcoming Green Jobs Delivery Group, along with examples of industry investment in training.
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Department for Business and Trade
17
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Not Addressed
We further recommend that the Government should convene the retail banking sector to encourage and facilitate low-cost and innovative lending products for consumers, and that public funds are used most widely in supporting lower income families with appropriate grants.
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We further recommend that the Government should convene the retail banking sector to encourage and facilitate low-cost and innovative lending products for consumers, and that public funds are used most widely in supporting lower income families with appropriate grants.
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Government response AI summary
The Government's response focuses on energy efficiency schemes, skills competitions, consumer advice tools, and general energy advice services, but does not address facilitating low-cost lending products or the use of public funds for grants to lower-income families, which was the recommendation's core point.
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Department for Business and Trade
18
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
The Secretary of State’s assertion that the target to deploy 600,000 heat pumps will “have to be delivered” highlights the Government’s determination but there is still a lack of specific, strategic action on its part to ensure that low carbon heat targets are delivered. The Government must set out a …
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The Secretary of State’s assertion that the target to deploy 600,000 heat pumps will “have to be delivered” highlights the Government’s determination but there is still a lack of specific, strategic action on its part to ensure that low carbon heat targets are delivered. The Government must set out a clear, long term plan as to how the current rate of installations will be increased in order to scale up the market.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is investing £550 million to expand Skills Bootcamps for green skills and working with local authorities to ensure training is widely available.
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Department for Business and Trade
19
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Rejected
We acknowledge the introduction of the market-based mechanism outlined in the Heat and Buildings Strategy; however, it will not deliver the scaled-up heat pump market needed to achieve the Government’s heat pump target. The Government must expand the market-based mechanism as well as explore other options to catalyse the development …
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We acknowledge the introduction of the market-based mechanism outlined in the Heat and Buildings Strategy; however, it will not deliver the scaled-up heat pump market needed to achieve the Government’s heat pump target. The Government must expand the market-based mechanism as well as explore other options to catalyse the development and scaling up of the heat pump market.
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation to expand the market-based mechanism and explore other options. Instead, it describes alternative local authority delivery schemes for improving the energy performance of low-income homes, arguing its approach is different.
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Department for Business and Trade
20
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
To meet the Government’s targets for decarbonising heat, significant action needs to be taken to innovate and develop low carbon heating markets and in bringing these markets to scale. Scaling up the markets for low carbon heating technologies also offers opportunities for cost reductions. A heat decarbonisation sector deal would …
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To meet the Government’s targets for decarbonising heat, significant action needs to be taken to innovate and develop low carbon heating markets and in bringing these markets to scale. Scaling up the markets for low carbon heating technologies also offers opportunities for cost reductions. A heat decarbonisation sector deal would create intentional and consistent collaboration between the Government and industry to effectively nurture the low carbon heat markets and reduce costs.
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Government response AI summary
The government responds by outlining existing initiatives and groups they have in place, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Electrification of Heat Task Group, a skills action plan, a skills training competition, and industry investment.
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Department for Business and Trade
21
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
We recommend that the Government introduce a heat decarbonisation sector deal by 2023 so that there may be a heightened focus on scaling up low carbon heating markets and reducing costs.
Government response AI summary
The government says they are committed to keeping costs fair and affordable, exploring options to shift energy levies away from electricity, expand carbon pricing, and remove costs from electricity bills, with proposals to be published in 2022, while providing financial support through existing schemes.
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Department for Business and Trade
22
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Deferred
It is vital that the heating and energy efficiency workforce has the capacity and skills required for the job at hand. This will require training new workers as well as supporting existing workers in the home heating sector. It is imperative that the 56 Decarbonising Heat in Homes Government actively …
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It is vital that the heating and energy efficiency workforce has the capacity and skills required for the job at hand. This will require training new workers as well as supporting existing workers in the home heating sector. It is imperative that the 56 Decarbonising Heat in Homes Government actively supports and encourages the upskilling of workers, with a commitment to prioritising the existing home heating workforce, through local, work-based training schemes. We expected the Heat and Buildings Strategy to provide a strategic direction on how the heating workforce would be upskilled and we waited a long time for this to be published. However, the strategy failed to adequately deal with this issue.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Committee on Fuel Poverty provides independent advice and Ministers cannot mandate its actions, effectively redirecting responsibility.
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Department for Business and Trade
23
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
The Government must urgently develop a low carbon heating training programme, in partnership with industry and trade unions. The training programme should align with the Government’s own target to deploy 600,000 heat pumps by 2028 and the plans it has to deliver on this goal. The Government must support and …
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The Government must urgently develop a low carbon heating training programme, in partnership with industry and trade unions. The training programme should align with the Government’s own target to deploy 600,000 heat pumps by 2028 and the plans it has to deliver on this goal. The Government must support and collaborate with industry and trade unions early in development of this training. It should also work with industry and trade unions to develop a low carbon heating technician apprenticeship to encourage young people to enter the sector.
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Government response AI summary
The Government agrees that further action is needed to increase consumer awareness and mentions progress made in raising public awareness and interest in climate change, enhancing communication channels, and increased investment into the digital service, Simple Energy Advice, but doesn't directly address developing a low …
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Department for Business and Trade
24
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
At present there is no company that operates as a “one stop shop” where customers can procure all the services required for a successful retrofit installation and change to a low carbon heating system. Consideration should be given to project management upskilling with regards to whole system and energy efficiency …
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At present there is no company that operates as a “one stop shop” where customers can procure all the services required for a successful retrofit installation and change to a low carbon heating system. Consideration should be given to project management upskilling with regards to whole system and energy efficiency installations to make it easier for people to be able to convert to low carbon heating systems.
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Government response AI summary
The government states Ofgem already regulates the heating sector and outlines plans to regulate heat networks, including consumer protections, and mentions TrustMark registration for installers, suggesting existing mechanisms address the concern about a 'one stop shop'.
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Department for Business and Trade
25
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
In addition to working with industry and trade unions, we recommend that the Government works closely with local and regional authorities in England allowing local leaders to deliver coherent services to their populations, for example through the regional delivery of the adult skills budget and promote the connection between net …
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In addition to working with industry and trade unions, we recommend that the Government works closely with local and regional authorities in England allowing local leaders to deliver coherent services to their populations, for example through the regional delivery of the adult skills budget and promote the connection between net zero policies and ‘green job’ creation. (Paragraph 93) Costs
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the vital role of local and regional governments and mentions the Local Net Zero Forum, the Local Net Zero Programme, and funding for various decarbonisation schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities, but does not commit to specifically working with local and …
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Department for Business and Trade
26
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
The Green Homes Grant was an important and welcomed initiative. However, the way in which the Government designed the Green Homes Grant, both as a short- term stimulus instead of a long-term national infrastructure project and as a hastily developed, outsourced scheme, was misguided. It is vital that the lessons …
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The Green Homes Grant was an important and welcomed initiative. However, the way in which the Government designed the Green Homes Grant, both as a short- term stimulus instead of a long-term national infrastructure project and as a hastily developed, outsourced scheme, was misguided. It is vital that the lessons are learned from the failure of the Green Homes Grant and that these lessons are implemented in the design and delivery of future financial support schemes.
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Government response AI summary
The Government is already working with regional government, providing funding through schemes like the National Skills Fund, and through the Shared Prosperity Fund, to invest in training and support SMEs in energy efficient and low carbon technologies.
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Department for Business and Trade
27
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
We call on the Government to prioritise the development and launch of a replacement for the Green Homes Grant, delivered locally through regional and local government in England instead of centrally by the Department. Ministers should provide an update on this work in response to this report.
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We call on the Government to prioritise the development and launch of a replacement for the Green Homes Grant, delivered locally through regional and local government in England instead of centrally by the Department. Ministers should provide an update on this work in response to this report.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the role of local authorities in decarbonising homes and mentions strategies and milestones for decarbonizing heating, but doesn't commit to prioritizing a replacement for the Green Homes Grant delivered locally, as specifically recommended.
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Department for Business and Trade
28
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Not Addressed
We welcome the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme announced in the Heat and Buildings Strategy. To ensure the success of the scheme, we recommend that in the delivery of the scheme, the Government must: 1) explain what lessons have been learnt from various failed past schemes and how this scheme will …
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We welcome the new Boiler Upgrade Scheme announced in the Heat and Buildings Strategy. To ensure the success of the scheme, we recommend that in the delivery of the scheme, the Government must: 1) explain what lessons have been learnt from various failed past schemes and how this scheme will therefore be delivered differently, 2) focus public funds on lower income households and homes which will require the most expensive and/or complicated installations to decarbonise. This will require Decarbonising Heat in Homes 57 a fundamental rethink on the support packages currently available. The boiler replacement grants of £5,000 or £6,000 will mean lower income households cannot switch to low carbon heating, when the overall cost may be as high as £15–20,000. 3) incentivise banks to create low-cost loan products for consumers, 4) partner with industry and trade unions to create jobs and training pathways, and 5) ensure the scheme lasts for at least a decade instead of merely a few years.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the importance of climate and governance structures but does not address any of the specific recommendations regarding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
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Department for Business and Trade
29
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
The current apportioning of environmental levies disincentivises the switch to electrified low carbon heating solutions, such as heat pumps, because the running costs are greater than a gas boiler. As we have seen with the ongoing gas market crisis, increases in gas prices have increased energy bills, which has, in …
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The current apportioning of environmental levies disincentivises the switch to electrified low carbon heating solutions, such as heat pumps, because the running costs are greater than a gas boiler. As we have seen with the ongoing gas market crisis, increases in gas prices have increased energy bills, which has, in turn, disproportionately affected the fuel poor. The reapportioning of environmental levies should not further burden the fuel poor with an even greater increase in energy bills. We welcome the Government’s commitment in the Net Zero Strategy to shift or rebalance energy levies.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the disincentives in current electricity and gas pricing, commits to keeping costs fair, and states they are exploring options to shift or rebalance energy levies away from electricity, with proposals to be published in 2022.
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Department for Business and Trade
30
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Deferred
We recommend that the Government reapportions environmental levies to improve the financial attractiveness of electrified heat and to encourage the uptake of electrified low carbon heating systems incrementally over several years. The levies should reflect the relative carbon emissions of gas and electricity. We further recommend that this reapportioning must …
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We recommend that the Government reapportions environmental levies to improve the financial attractiveness of electrified heat and to encourage the uptake of electrified low carbon heating systems incrementally over several years. The levies should reflect the relative carbon emissions of gas and electricity. We further recommend that this reapportioning must be accompanied by mitigating negative impacts on the fuel poor and vulnerable consumers, for example through targeted financial support programmes focusing on fuel poor households.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need to incentivise green choices and is looking at options to shift or rebalance energy levies and obligations away from electricity, with proposals to be published in 2022, considering system impacts and low-income consumers.
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Department for Business and Trade
31
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
We call on Ministers to mandate the Committee on Fuel Poverty to monitor and report annually on the transition costs on fuel poor households. (Paragraph 125) Consumer engagement and protection
Government response AI summary
Ministers cannot mandate the actions of the Committee on Fuel Poverty but will continue to work closely with them.
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Department for Business and Trade
32
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
Consumer engagement and awareness when it comes to the decarbonisation of domestic heat is low. One of the greatest shortfalls of the Heat and Buildings Strategy is that it misses the opportunity to outline the Government’s plan to drive up consumers’ understanding of the importance of the transition to low …
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Consumer engagement and awareness when it comes to the decarbonisation of domestic heat is low. One of the greatest shortfalls of the Heat and Buildings Strategy is that it misses the opportunity to outline the Government’s plan to drive up consumers’ understanding of the importance of the transition to low carbon heating in homes. The Government’s commitment to “review and improve [its] communications” does not go far enough. We note that the Scottish Government has an independent advice body, Home Energy Scotland. If people are not aware that a change needs to be made in their home and for what purpose the change needs to be made, then the Government will fail to deliver low carbon domestic heat by 2050 through slower uptake and loss of public support.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees that further action is needed to increase consumer awareness, is working to develop a strategy for climate change communications, enhance communication channels, and increase investment into the digital service, Simple Energy Advice.
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Department for Business and Trade
33
Conclusion
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Acknowledged
It is clear that current technologies to decarbonise home heating lack widespread consumer awareness and are at price points that make transition costly for most households. The sector needs to demonstrate more commitment to improving their product capabilities and greater potential for price reductions as production 58 Decarbonising Heat in …
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It is clear that current technologies to decarbonise home heating lack widespread consumer awareness and are at price points that make transition costly for most households. The sector needs to demonstrate more commitment to improving their product capabilities and greater potential for price reductions as production 58 Decarbonising Heat in Homes volumes increase. The costs of innovations in decarbonising home heating currently lie too heavily on households for us to be confident that consumers will not baulk at the impact on their family budgets.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's conclusion.
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Department for Business and Trade
34
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
The Government should establish a national consumer awareness campaign that, as a minimum, informs the public on why the decarbonisation of heat is needed, what low carbon heating solutions are available and the changes that consumers may have to make in their homes to install low carbon heating. The Government …
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The Government should establish a national consumer awareness campaign that, as a minimum, informs the public on why the decarbonisation of heat is needed, what low carbon heating solutions are available and the changes that consumers may have to make in their homes to install low carbon heating. The Government should require energy suppliers to send this information to households alongside their energy bills.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees further action is needed and says progress has already been made to raise public awareness, pointing to the 'Together for our Planet' campaign and increased investment into the digital service, Simple Energy Advice.
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Department for Business and Trade
35
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted in Part
Currently, there are no sufficiently robust consumer protections in place for the heating sector, especially for poor quality installations. The Heat and Buildings Strategy failed to set out a robust consumer protections framework that will build consumer confidence and trust in energy companies and the heating sector as a whole. …
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Currently, there are no sufficiently robust consumer protections in place for the heating sector, especially for poor quality installations. The Heat and Buildings Strategy failed to set out a robust consumer protections framework that will build consumer confidence and trust in energy companies and the heating sector as a whole. To protect consumers, a robust framework of protections must be brought in for the heating sector to ensure that standards are maintained and that, where failures take place, consumers have options for recourse. We also recommend that the Government should give Ofgem the responsibility to regulate companies and providers in the heating sector, as well as the powers and resources it will need to introduce and enforce robust consumer protections. The Government should also establish an ombudsman process to manage individual complaints. (Paragraph 149) Governance and co-ordination
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Government response AI summary
The government states that Ofgem already regulates companies in the heating sector and will regulate heat networks, and the BEIS Secretary of State will have powers to introduce a price cap, but the government is considering responses to a consultation to enhance consumer rights.
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Department for Business and Trade
36
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
We were pleased to see in the Heat and Buildings Strategy the Government’s recognition of the role that local authorities play in the decarbonisation of domestic heat and the net zero agenda as a whole. The Government must avoid setting unfunded mandates for local and regional governments to deliver its …
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We were pleased to see in the Heat and Buildings Strategy the Government’s recognition of the role that local authorities play in the decarbonisation of domestic heat and the net zero agenda as a whole. The Government must avoid setting unfunded mandates for local and regional governments to deliver its national targets. We recommend that in the Spending Review, the Government considers what additional resources may be needed by local and regional governments in England to deliver this crucial part of the Government’s overall strategy to deliver net zero by
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the role of local governments, mentions the Local Net Zero Forum, continuation of the Local Net Zero Programme, and highlights funding boosts to schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities, including specific funding amounts for various decarbonisation schemes, as well as increased …
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Department for Business and Trade
37
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
Throughout our inquiry we have heard about the co-ordination gap between central policies and the delivery of these policies at the local level. It is an oversight of the Heat and Buildings Strategy that it did not explore how the delivery of low carbon heat can be improved. Further to …
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Throughout our inquiry we have heard about the co-ordination gap between central policies and the delivery of these policies at the local level. It is an oversight of the Heat and Buildings Strategy that it did not explore how the delivery of low carbon heat can be improved. Further to our recommendation to establish a heat decarbonisation sector deal, we recommend that Ministers engage local and regional government representatives in this sector deal.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that it has been working closely with regional government representatives to attract investment within the supply chain, providing funding through schemes like the National Skills Fund, and supporting local governments through the Net Zero Innovation Programme.
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Department for Business and Trade
38
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities should give higher priority to the decarbonisation of homes and the support it offers to local and regional government in England, and should, in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, publish joint milestones and metrics setting out which …
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The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities should give higher priority to the decarbonisation of homes and the support it offers to local and regional government in England, and should, in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, publish joint milestones and metrics setting out which department is accountable for which aspects of the decarbonisation of heating in homes.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Heat and Buildings Strategy and Net Zero Strategy, published in October 2021, already set out joint milestones and metrics jointly owned between DLUHC and BEIS for decarbonising heating in homes, and they report on progress annually.
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Department for Business and Trade
39
Recommendation
Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in …
Accepted
We call on the COP26 President, the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, in his capacity as chair of the Cabinet Office Climate Adaptation and Implementation Committee, Decarbonising Heat in Homes 59 to take ministerial responsibility for improved coordination between Departments and to present an annual report to Parliament on progress …
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We call on the COP26 President, the Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, in his capacity as chair of the Cabinet Office Climate Adaptation and Implementation Committee, Decarbonising Heat in Homes 59 to take ministerial responsibility for improved coordination between Departments and to present an annual report to Parliament on progress in the delivery of cross departmental net zero policies. (Paragraph 170) 60 Decarbonising Heat in Homes
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Prime Minister chairs the Climate Action Strategy Committee (CASC) and the COP26 President chairs the Climate Action Implementation Committee, and that they respond annually to the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) Progress Report on Mitigation, including a comprehensive set of answers …
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Department for Business and Trade