The UK Government has launched a nationwide consultation on domestic wood and solid fuel burning, setting out proposals to reduce air pollution from stoves and fuels used in homes.
The consultation, which opens today (22nd January) and will run until 19th March 2026, is being led by DEFRA in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Any future policy changes will be developed jointly with the devolved administrations.
People can contribute their views here.
At the centre of the consultation are proposals to reduce emissions through:
- Stricter emission limits for new stoves – introducing tougher smoke emission standards for new appliances placed on the market.
- Mandatory labelling for stoves and fuels – providing clear information on emissions, permitted fuels, and health impacts to help consumers make informed choices.
- Increased enforcement penalties – raising penalties for suppliers who breach fuel standards to ensure compliance
One proposal would significantly tighten smoke emission limits for new solid fuel stoves coming onto the market. Current regulations allow appliances to emit up to 5 grams of smoke per hour, but the government is proposing to lower this to 1 gram per hour, plus a small allowance linked to heat output.
The proposed standard would not apply to existing stoves already installed in homes. To allow manufacturers time to adapt, the government suggests the new limits would come into force three to five years after legislation is passed. Regular retesting of stoves already on the market is also being considered to ensure ongoing compliance.
Alongside tighter limits, the government is proposing mandatory emissions labelling for new solid fuel appliances. The label would sit alongside existing energy efficiency ratings and include an A–C pollution scale, showing which fuels can be used, and a statement outlining the health impacts of domestic burning.
Suggestions include working such as ‘Please be aware that this appliance emits air pollution which can harm your health’ Suppliers in Great Britain would be required to display the label at the point of sale, while use in Northern Ireland would be voluntary.
The consultation also proposes mandatory health impact labelling on solid fuel packaging, such as wood and coal, in the hope that frequent exposure to health warnings at the point of purchase could reinforce awareness of the risks burning poses to households and neighbouring communities.
The government is also consulting on increasing penalties for suppliers who breach fuel regulations, such as selling wet wood or banned fuels. The current fixed penalty of £300 could rise to up to £2,000, with higher penalties for repeat offenders. This change would apply only in England, reflecting differences in devolved enforcement systems.
Following the publication of the consultation, Larissa Lockwood, Director of Policy & Campaigns at Global Action Plan said: ‘Wood burning pollution is cutting lives short, putting people in hospital and contributing to serious health conditions for people across the UK.
‘It’s great to see the government recognise that action needs to be taken to tackle the burden of toxic air pollution from wood burning on everyone’s health, when – particularly in our urban areas – the vast majority of people have another cheaper, less polluting way to heat their home and the health impacts of air pollution are already felt by so many. We encourage anyone who is concerned about the health impacts of air pollution to take part in this government consultation and have your voice heard.
‘While measures to tighten pollution standards for wood burning stoves and better inform people of the health risks of these products at the point of sale are a good first step, they don’t go far enough. A less polluting stove is like a low tar cigarette – it’s slightly better for your health, but still significantly worse than not using them in the first place.
‘We want to see further action from the government to ensure everyone can access cleaner, greener forms of heating and give local authorities the powers they need to curb harmful emissions for the benefit of their local communities.’
Photo: Lukas Kubica / Unsplash
Leave a Reply