Changeworks welcomes the scale and ambition of the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan.
The £15 billion commitment to upgrade millions of homes and lift over one million households out of fuel poverty by 2030, will provide much needed momentum for a just transition to net zero that will benefit households at scale.
It also sends a strong signal to drive investment in sustainable technologies, which will, in the longer term, increase economic activity and employment opportunities across the UK.
We welcome the support announced for households across tenures, in particular the grants available for low-income households to benefit from clean heating technologies. Financial support to enable homeowners to invest in clean technologies will not only help tackle the climate emergency but will also help lift households out of fuel poverty.
Lack of boiler phase out disappointing
However, the absence of a phase out date for fossil fuel boilers is disappointing. Whilst the plan provides clear support for households to make the switch, the lack of a firm deadline will mean that many households reliance on fossil fuel boilers will persist. This has the potential to limit the positive impact of the plan and leave more households vulnerable to volatile gas prices.
We recognise the Government understands the role of fabric measures to enable households to experience the benefits of clean technologies and call for continued focus on support and funding to install energy efficiency measures such as insulation.
Whilst the increased support for technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps is positive, an adequate heat retention performance is needed for these technologies to be cost effective for households.
In addition, a fabric-first retrofit combined with effective ventilation strategies delivers wider benefits for householders, particularly for health and wellbeing.
The introduction of Awaab’s Law, which addresses damp, mould and unhealthy living conditions, will be key to ensuring safer and healthier homes for tenants. Changeworks will continue to work with the social housing sector to support tenants in managing home heating and ventilation effectively.
Huge opportunity to transform UK housing
Overall, the Warm Homes Plan represents a significant opportunity to transform the UK’s housing stock, reduce fuel poverty and accelerate progress towards net zero.
To maximise its impact, it must be underpinned by a clear long-term direction, including a phase-out date for fossil fuel boilers, and a continued commitment to fabric-first measures that ensure clean technologies are affordable and effective for households.
With the right policy framework and sustained investment, this plan can deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes while supporting a just transition to a low-carbon future.
Changeworks stands ready to work with Government, local authorities and the social housing sector to help ensure the plan delivers lasting benefits for households and communities across the UK.