Some press reports suggested the Government’s new Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) includes a partial ban on burning. That is not the case. Defra has confirmed to The Independent that it is not planning to consult on banning domestic burning by geographical area, and it is not looking to ban the use of stoves that have already been sold. There are also no plans to change Smoke Control Area rules. If your stove complies with current SCA rules, you can continue to use it.
What the EIP actually says
•A consultation is coming on new measures to cut emissions from domestic combustion, with the aim of improving air quality while minimising impacts on people who need to burn and respecting cultural events. This is about better practice and cleaner burning, not blanket bans.
•The plan restates the UK’s 2030 air quality goals. These include cutting emissions of key pollutants from a 2005 baseline, delivering the levels set in the Air Quality Standards Regulations, and meeting the interim PM2.5 targets for 2030: an annual mean of 10 µg/m³ and a 30% population exposure reduction from 2018.
•Defra will refresh guidance and training for councils, pilot a streamlined approach to PM2.5 in planning, and improve data tools so action is targeted where vulnerability and exposure are highest.
What this means for households
•You can keep using a compliant stove. Nothing in the EIP changes the rules for Smoke Control Areas. If your appliance and fuel comply, then you are within the rules.
•Replacing open fires and very old appliances with Ecodesign (ideally clearSkies-rated) stoves cuts emissions in homes while keeping the unique benefits of wood-burning including controllable, local heat, improved well-being and greater energy resilience.
•Use Ready to Burn logs at 20% moisture or below and follow best practice. That is how you get the cleanest results and the best efficiency.
Charnwood’s view
We continue to make attempts to reach out to all parties, however too often this is rebuffed. Most recently we were prevented from joining a Clean Air Night online seminar, which is a real shame as we believe progress is achieved when people can discuss different points of view.
Modern wood burning, done well, fits a balanced home energy mix alongside heat pumps, solar and insulation, providing resilience when there are gaps in supply from the grid and greater independence when prices spike. We will continue to help customers and retailers with clear guidance, efficient products and innovation that supports the UK’s air quality goals.