Warm Homes Plan published – what it means for oil technicians

Warm Homes Plan published – what it means for oil technicians

The Government has finally published its Warm Homes Plan, setting out how it intends to improve energy efficiency, cut carbon emissions and support households as the UK transitions its heating systems over the coming years.

Much of the focus is on low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps, but the plan also includes funding, training and regulatory changes that will directly affect technicians and customers who rely on liquid fuel heating.

Below we have drafted a quick summary of the key points and what they mean in practice.

• The Boiler Upgrade Scheme will continue to expand each year through to 2029/30, with a total of £2.7 billion being made available. This funding will continue to support the installation of low-carbon heating systems, particularly heat pumps.
• The temporary zero rate of VAT on certain energy-saving materials will remain in place until 31 March 2027. This helps reduce upfront costs for households making energy efficiency improvements.
• The Government will consult on further reforms to permitted development rights for air source heat pumps in England. This could make it easier for householders to install heat pumps without the need for full planning permission.
• The heat training grant will continue through to 2029, with £7 million allocated each year. OFTEC’s 504A/G heat pump training and assessment remains an eligible course, allowing technicians to access funded training if they wish to expand their skills.
• A total of £5 billion will be invested in a new Warm Homes Fund to support home upgrade improvements. Of this, £600 million is specifically targeted at low-income households, where affordability is a major concern.
• From 2027, a new Warm Homes Agency will be established as a public body. Its role will be to support the delivery of decarbonisation and help guide consumers through changes to their home heating and energy use.
• The Government has also set an ambition for 70% of heat pumps installed in the UK to be manufactured in the UK by 2030, supporting domestic supply chains and jobs.
• In terms of regulation, the number of Certification Bodies operating in the energy efficiency and microgeneration sectors will be reviewed. There are also proposals to restrict installers from being members of more than one Certification Body for the same type of installation work.