Burnham Government to Tighten Fireplace Regulations
New Labour MP for Makerfield, Andy Burnham, is set to become Prime Minister and will oversee the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), which introduces a series of new household rules. The plan includes a ban on the sale of older wood burner models and stricter Smoke Control Areas.
The EIP, revised on 1 December, sets a target for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution to reduce pressure on the NHS and improve quality of life. The annual mean target for PM2.5 is set at 10 µg per cubic metre (μg m³) by December 2030, a significant tightening from the current limit of 25 μg m³, which was previously targeted for 2040.
Industry and Environmental Responses
Calvin May, head of technical services at HETAS, which represents the solid fuel industry, said: “Wood burners, multifuel stoves, and pellet stoves that meet Cleaner Choice standards already meet potential EIP targets, demonstrating that industry is well-prepared for this change and committed to improving our air quality.” He added that the move to tighten PM2.5 targets and consult on reducing emissions from domestic burning is necessary and welcome.
Ruth Chambers from the Green Alliance thinktank called the new EIP “an important milestone and an opportunity to harness the government’s collective clout to deliver better for nature.” She stressed the need for swift action to restore nature, clean up rivers and air, create a circular economy, and reconnect people with the natural world.
Impact on Households
The proposed changes mean households using wood burners may need to upgrade to newer, cleaner models. The plan also includes stricter enforcement in Smoke Control Areas, where emissions are already limited. The government aims to balance environmental goals with practical solutions, encouraging informed choices about burning practices.
