The 600,000 a year target for heat pumps installations could be cut or ditched following budget cuts.

The Telegraph has reported that its sources believe the target is in danger of review and Labour has refused to recommit to the number, set by Boris Johnson in 2021. The Chancellor is now expected to announce a revised strategy in her spending review on June 11.

The Telegraph revealed last week that cuts to the DESNZ budget could reduce funding available for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which is an integral part of the ambition to hit the target.

The Government initially aimed for 600,000 heat pump installations annually by 2028, and changes could include a reduction of the BUS, moving the date back from 2028 or complete change. All of which will be a disappoint to the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

Rumours are also reported over the Warm Homes Plan overall that includes insulation schemes.

Combined with all this is the stated Government ambition to provide 1.5 million new homes and mandate the installation of heat pumps into these. The plan is widely seen as unrealistic, creating another problem with meeting the target.

In light of this the recent reforms to planning, allowing heat pumps to be sited closer than one metre to a boundary, and indeed right up to it, can be seen as an attempt to squeeze more installations in despite concerns over noise levels.

Update

Another day, another take: Reports indicate that Ed Miliband and Rachel Reeves have reached agreement not to significantly cut to the budget to the £13.2bn Warm Homes Plan.

The reality of the situation will be revealed in a week’s time.

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