Responding to the news that the Government has delayed the implementation of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, David Cowdrey, Director of External Affairs at the MCS Foundation said:  “It is extremely disappointing to see that the Government has postponed one of the most important policies for getting the UK off fossil fuel heating.  

“The Clean Heat Market Mechanism is crucial to the rollout of heat pumps, which are the only viable option to decarbonising at scale the 17% of UK emissions that are created by heating our homes. 

“The Government needs to immediately set out plans for how it intends to fill the huge gap in heat pump plans that they have just created.  We need clear and consistent policy more than anything, and without that the UK’s target of installing 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028 is in serious jeopardy.” 

Responding to changes to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants for heat pump installations, which will no longer require homeowners to install insulation before applying for the grant, David Cowdrey added:  “Making it easier and cheaper for homeowners to install heat pumps is a positive move, and will help build on recent growth in applications for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants.  

“However, much more needs to be done to support heat pump uptake, including cutting the price of electricity compared to gas to ensure heat pumps are always cheaper to run than a boiler. Without consistent and clear policy, grant schemes alone will not be enough to reach the target of 600,000 heat pumps a year by 2028.” 

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