Responding to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement on key green policies, the MCS Foundation has deplored the weakening of the phase-out of gas boilers while welcoming the expansion of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to £7,500.

David Cowdrey, Director of External Affairs at the MCS Foundation, said:

“It is bitterly disappointing to see the government rowing back on the commitment to fully phase out gas boilers by 2035. Today’s announcement will undermine the Government’s own ambition to decarbonise homes and set the UK back in the effort to reach net zero.

“However there is some good news. The expansion of the grant scheme for replacing gas boilers with heat pumps is very welcome, and will increase the grants available to help households make the switch to carbon-free heating. It is also vital that the Government publicises the grants available to help households to move away from expensive fossil fuels. We urgently need grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, as well as other financing options such as property-linked loans to help the UK catch up with other nations on the roll-out of heat pumps.

“We will await detail of the Government’s new commitments for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Having consistency, clarity and commitment will be key.”