Seventh report - Decarbonising heat in homes

The government says it has published its response to the Heat Networks Market Framework consultation, outlining proposals for regulation and appointing Ofgem as the heat networks regulator to ensure fair pricing and reliable supply.

The Government states it will continue to make the case for moving quickly to Net Zero and expects social housing landlords to help tenants to understand why works are required to their homes and the benefits of the transition, and commits to considering a long-term regulatory standard to improve social housing to EPC band C, alongside measures to decarbonise the housing stock in line with emissions targets, and provides funding.

The government states they are taking a range of measures to ensure the market can deliver 600,000 annual heat pump installations by 2028, including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a market mechanism for low carbon heating from 2024, and the Future Homes Standard from 2025.

The Government will run a Heat Pump Investment Accelerator Competition in 2022 worth up to £30 million to ramp up domestic manufacture of heat pumps.

The Government states it is already working closely with industry to ensure high-quality training is available and mentions coordinated action through the Electrification of Heat Task Group and the upcoming Green Jobs Delivery Group, along with examples of industry investment in training.

The government states it is investing £550 million to expand Skills Bootcamps for green skills and working with local authorities to ensure training is widely available.

The government agrees further action is needed and says progress has already been made to raise public awareness, pointing to the 'Together for our Planet' campaign and increased investment into the digital service, Simple Energy Advice.

The government acknowledges the role of local governments, mentions the Local Net Zero Forum, continuation of the Local Net Zero Programme, and highlights funding boosts to schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities, including specific funding amounts for various decarbonisation schemes, as well as increased funding for local authorities.

The government states that it has been working closely with regional government representatives to attract investment within the supply chain, providing funding through schemes like the National Skills Fund, and supporting local governments through the Net Zero Innovation Programme.

The government states that the Heat and Buildings Strategy and Net Zero Strategy, published in October 2021, already set out joint milestones and metrics jointly owned between DLUHC and BEIS for decarbonising heating in homes, and they report on progress annually.

The government states that the Prime Minister chairs the Climate Action Strategy Committee (CASC) and the COP26 President chairs the Climate Action Implementation Committee, and that they respond annually to the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) Progress Report on Mitigation, including a comprehensive set of answers to the ‘Joint Recommendations’ each year.