The UK government is poised to expand its subsidy scheme for heating solutions to include air-to-air heat pumps, which have gained traction in European countries like France, Italy, and Norway, reports 24brussels.
In July, the government signaled a willingness to consider broader options in its replacement subsidy program. Tory MP Bradley Thomas, currently serving as a parliamentary private secretary to Coutinho, criticized the government’s dual approach. “The government is pushing, on the one hand, a very electricity-intensive technology in the form of air-source heat pumps, but at the same time precluding people from making an upgrade that could also cool their home and get a financial subsidy in the process,” he stated.
The energy efficiency ratings associated with these technologies have come under fire, with critics asserting that they fail to adequately account for the functional capacities of heat pumps.
Campaigners express mounting frustration not only with the government but also with backbenchers who they perceive as reluctant to voice dissent and push for meaningful progress on heating solutions. The Labour Growth Group, an influential backbench faction within the parliamentary Labour party, has been a particular focus of criticism.
One campaigner, who requested anonymity to speak candidly, commented, “There’s very little heft there… they’re like: ‘Let’s just build things.’ But it’s not a matter of just shouting ‘let’s build things.’ I think courage is certainly an element that they’re missing.”
Political Pressure
Politicians may increasingly face pressure regarding their stance on energy solutions, especially as the impacts of climate change intensify extreme weather events. Evidence suggests that younger voters are significantly more concerned about these issues compared to older generations.
