Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has broadly welcomed the release of the Warm Homes Plan, but argues that the Government has made a significant error by omitting the requirement for sufficient insulation, which could reduce the efficiency of heat pumps.
Through the Warm Homes Plan, the Government has promised nearly £15bn during this parliament to upgrade up to 5 million homes. The proposals aim to lower energy bills and lift as many as a million families out of fuel poverty by 2030.
The plan confirms £5bn has been allocated for upgrades such as solar panels and heat pumps targeted at low-income households; £2bn for low-cost loans available to those who can afford them; and £2.7bn for the boiler upgrade scheme, allowing people to exchange their gas boiler for a heat pump at a cost of £7,500. Other measures include “green mortgages”, offering lower interest rates for homes equipped with energy-efficient systems.
However, there is no requirement for households to upgrade their insulation to a level commensurate with the efficient operation of a new heat pump. The BMF believes this could be a costly mistake.
John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF said: “It seems illogical that a £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant can be claimed without measures to properly insulate homes first. We will call on the Government to ensure insulation is given due importance in the plan.”
