The managing director for GTEC & Heatly, managing director for NIBE and the director for LCL Awards & Logic4training have all reacted to the government’s Warm Homes Plan.
Griff Thomas, managing director for GTEC & Heatly, both part of the United Living Group, said: “It’s great to see DESNZ making positive moves to deliver the Warm Homes Plan, which promises to upgrade 5m homes over the next five years, including a notable £1.29bn towards social housing. The measures announced on 21/11/24 put the UK on track to achieving this target, while making heat pumps more affordable and accessible. I am particularly pleased to see the removal of the 1m rule, giving installers flexibility to deliver the best solution for each property and removing a major hurdle that might push homeowners away from heat pumps.
“The Clean Heat Market Mechanism provides much-needed clarity for the industry, encouraging investment and supporting the scaling up of heat pump supply chains. This time around, it seems that manufacturers have broadly welcomed the proposals, demonstrating the benefits of a collaborative approach to developing practical policies that balance industry needs with the UK’s net zero goals.”
Paul Smith, managing director for NIBE, added: “At NIBE, we applaud the ongoing expansion of the Warm Homes Plan and the government’s move to streamline heat pump installations by cutting red tape around permitted development.
“However, to accelerate the transition to heat pumps, the installer network must also be expanded. We’re already driving this change through our industry-leading training programme, hands-on technical guidance and business support that extends far beyond the classroom. But we believe government-backed initiatives are essential to bolster these efforts and ensure a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the renewable heating market.
“Also, we join the Heat Pump Association in urging policymakers to address the spark gap, which remains a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of heat pumps.
“Finally, we also welcome the boosted budget for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which is a vitally important mechanism for retrofit homes. However, to truly unlock the potential of renewable heating, the scope of the scheme must be broadened to include a wider variety of heat pump solutions, such as Exhaust Air Heat Pumps, to further accelerate decarbonisation.
“With NIBE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and collaboration, we are determined to lead the charge toward a more energy-efficient future.”
Mark Krull, director for LCL Awards & Logic4training, said: “I am pleased by the Warm Homes announcement, which overall shows the government’s continued commitment to the drive to Net Zero and the Electrification of Heat. The additional funds put towards the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) in 25/26 will support market growth and changes to the Clean Heat Market Mechanism are pragmatic, allowing UK manufacturers to invest in heat pumps and ultimately bolster our economy. The move to a low carbon future has financial as well as environmental benefits.
“Well done to Ideal Boilers for winning over £5m to bolster heat pump production capacity. Let’s hope that better supply chains and increased volume will lead to reduced costs to the consumer.”