Ministers urged not to cut heat pump subsidy scheme to pay for defence

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “Cutting support for heat pumps would leave more households tied to gas boilers and face continued exposure to global price shocks. Every home that switches to clean heating is one less home at the mercy of volatile gas markets.

“The Scheme has been particularly useful for rural and off-gas households facing some of the highest heating costs and are among the most expensive to upgrade. If there are concerns about maximising its impact, the answer is to target the resources better, not cut it altogether. For example, a referral route, where healthcare professionals, energy advisers or social workers can confirm a household would benefit, would help reach people who cannot find thousands of pounds for the upfront cost.

“The Labour manifesto was clear in its promise of significant funding for insulation, solar panels, batteries and heat pumps to cut bills. The Chancellor must back the Warm Homes Plan in full, as promised in the manifesto and the Comprehensive Spending Review, or voters will see it as a betrayal.”