Log and wood burners could face a partial ban under the Labour government's updated environment plan, according to reports. The Guardian has revealed that new pollution targets may impose stricter regulations on households using these appliances in England.
New Restrictions on the Horizon
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated that efforts to restore nature would now be conducted on a strategic level. The new Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) includes tightening targets for PM2.5 particulate pollutants to align with current EU standards, a move absent from the previous 2023 plan under the Conservative government.
The proposed changes could involve reducing limits in smoke control areas, effectively banning older appliances, and implementing outright bans in certain regions.
Government's Stance
Ms Reynolds emphasised the need for a credible plan: “What we’re talking about is restoring nature, not house by house, but at a more strategic level. We can be both pro-development and pro-home-ownership and pro-nature.” She criticised the previous EIP as lacking credibility, adding, “You can’t just set the targets. You’ve got to explain how you’re going to achieve those targets. And that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
Expert Reactions
Ruth Chambers from the Green Alliance thinktank described the new EIP as “an important milestone and an opportunity to harness the government’s collective clout to deliver better for nature.” She urged swift conversion into sustained action to restore nature, clean rivers and air, create a circular economy, and reconnect people with the natural world.
Air Quality Minister Emma Hardy highlighted the health impacts: “Dirty air robs people of their health and costs our NHS millions each year to treat lung conditions and asthma. We are determined to clean up our air. By limiting emission levels and introducing new labels as outlined in our consultation, families will be able to make better, healthier choices when heating their homes.”
The proposed restrictions aim to improve air quality and public health, potentially affecting millions of UK households that use log or wood burners.
