Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2021 to Question 7076, what steps his Department is taking to support the 20 per cent of off-gas grid homes that are not suited to being heated by a heat pump.

Support to transition away from fossil fuel heating is currently available through the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (DRHI). Eligible technologies include biomass boilers and pellet stoves, as well as heat pumps. The DRHI is scheduled to close in 2022, however we have consulted on plans for a Clean Heat Grant (CHG) scheme, that will provide upfront grants for the installation of low carbon heating systems, including biomass boilers. Further information on scheme design and eligibility criteria will be set out in the government response to the consultation later this year.

Support for high temperature heat pumps is also available through the DRHI and the planned CHG. High temperature heat pumps may be suitable for use in properties that have a higher heat demand or where it is not appropriate to change the radiators or use under-floor heating.

From early 2022, the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) will provide support to low income off gas grid households by installing energy efficiency upgrades and low carbon heating. The Sustainable Warmth Competition guidance sets out the expected approach for Local Authorities installing low carbon heating using HUG funding. Where low temperature heat pumps are unsuitable, alternative low carbon heating technologies may be installed if justification can be provided as to how they meet deliverability, value for money, affordability, sustainability, and air quality considerations.