Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include property developers seeking to install air source heat pumps into new builds.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is primarily designed to support property owners to replace fossil fuel heating systems in existing properties (retrofits). New builds (with the exception of self-builds) are therefore excluded from the scheme.

However, new standards will be brought in that ensure new homes and buildings are fit for a net zero future. Gas boilers will not meet the proposed standard for new homes, meaning low-carbon heating like heat pumps will become the new default. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will publish specifications in due course.