Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Paragraph: 52
We note that the then Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government felt it only...
Conclusion
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.
Paragraph Reference:
52
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the need for a clear pathway to phase out fossil fuel heating systems from our buildings, balancing market certainty with consumer choice and flexibility. The Heat and Buildings Strategy was explicit about our intention that, by 2035 at the latest, we will no longer install new natural gas boilers (and only install hydrogen-ready appliances where there is confidence that low carbon hydrogen will be supplied). Natural market trigger points will be used, minimising disruption and enabling consumers to gradually transition toward low carbon heating systems. Once costs have come down and consumer choices are clear, the Government will seek to regulate in this sector. We can learn significant lessons from the UK’s gradual transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to low carbon transport. By giving consumers time to adjust to new technology, and by giving markets a clear direction of travel, barriers have been reduced and costs have come down. The Government expects a similar transition towards low-carbon heat and has set out plans to use policy, funding and innovation to drive the cost of heat pumps towards parity with fossil fuel systems and test the feasibility of hydrogen and hydrogen ready boilers.