The UK ‘s Labour government is lifting a key planning restriction that required heat pumps to be installed at least one metre away from a neighbour’s property boundary.
On paper, this sounds like a positive step towards boosting the uptake of low-carbon heating technology, a crucial tool in the fight against climate change.
But look closer, and the reality is less green and more grim.
This month, donations through Ko-fi helped keep Vox Political going — and I’ve posted a quick update there about what’s next.
I’m working on a new investigation, a reissued book collection (free to £20+ donors), and plenty of videos to ruffle a few feathers.
Take a look behind the scenes: https://ko-fi.com/voxpolitical
And if you’ve already chipped in — thank you. You’re making this work possible.
The one-metre setback rule mostly affected homes in dense urban areas — especially terraced houses where outdoor space is tight.
Removing this restriction will undoubtedly speed up installations for many homeowners and eliminate frustrating delays caused by planning permission processes.
But the headline-grabbing rule change only scratches the surface.
The biggest barriers to widespread heat pump adoption remain stubbornly in place: high upfront costs, the need for significant home upgrades, and the exclusion of renters and leaseholders from making such changes.
Buy Cruel Britannia in print here. Buy the Cruel Britannia ebook here. Or just click on the image!
Heat pumps typically cost between £7,000 and £14,000 to install, even with government grants that can cover up to £7,500.
For many households — especially those in lower-income brackets — this price tag is simply unaffordable.
Moreover, around 37 per cent of UK homes are rented, and tenants rarely have the power or incentive to push for expensive heating system overhauls.
Get my free guide: “10 Political Lies You Were Sold This Decade” — just subscribe to our email list here:
👉 https://voxpoliticalonline.com
The government’s move, then, is primarily a convenience for wealthier homeowners who can already afford the cost or have the capital to invest in the home insulation and pipework upgrades that make heat pumps effective.
This change is unlikely to help the millions battling fuel poverty or living in older housing stock that desperately needs improvements before a heat pump would even be viable.
In short, the government’s “easier installation” policy is just another example of environmental measures that benefit the rich — letting them save more money and reduce their carbon footprint — while leaving behind the people who need help the most.
This month, donations through Ko-fi helped keep Vox Political going — and I’ve posted a quick update there about what’s next.
I’m working on a new investigation, a reissued book collection (free to £20+ donors), and plenty of videos to ruffle a few feathers.
Take a look behind the scenes: https://ko-fi.com/voxpolitical
And if you’ve already chipped in — thank you. You’re making this work possible.
If the UK is serious about tackling climate change and fuel poverty, it needs bold, equitable policies that address affordability, incentivise landlords, and support large-scale home retrofitting — not just small regulatory tweaks that help the wealthy get wealthier.
Until then, this change is a symbolic gesture, designed to fool the gullible – not the big leap forward the environment or society needs.
Vox Political needs your help!
If you want to support this site
(but don’t want to give your money to advertisers)
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The first collection, Strong Words and Hard Times,
is still available in either print or eBook format here:
New heat pump rule is only good for the rich
The UK ‘s Labour government is lifting a key planning restriction that required heat pumps to be installed at least one metre away from a neighbour’s property boundary.
On paper, this sounds like a positive step towards boosting the uptake of low-carbon heating technology, a crucial tool in the fight against climate change.
But look closer, and the reality is less green and more grim.
This month, donations through Ko-fi helped keep Vox Political going — and I’ve posted a quick update there about what’s next.
I’m working on a new investigation, a reissued book collection (free to £20+ donors), and plenty of videos to ruffle a few feathers.
Take a look behind the scenes: https://ko-fi.com/voxpolitical
And if you’ve already chipped in — thank you. You’re making this work possible.
The one-metre setback rule mostly affected homes in dense urban areas — especially terraced houses where outdoor space is tight.
Removing this restriction will undoubtedly speed up installations for many homeowners and eliminate frustrating delays caused by planning permission processes.
But the headline-grabbing rule change only scratches the surface.
The biggest barriers to widespread heat pump adoption remain stubbornly in place: high upfront costs, the need for significant home upgrades, and the exclusion of renters and leaseholders from making such changes.
Buy Cruel Britannia in print here. Buy the Cruel Britannia ebook here. Or just click on the image!
Heat pumps typically cost between £7,000 and £14,000 to install, even with government grants that can cover up to £7,500.
For many households — especially those in lower-income brackets — this price tag is simply unaffordable.
Moreover, around 37 per cent of UK homes are rented, and tenants rarely have the power or incentive to push for expensive heating system overhauls.
Get my free guide: “10 Political Lies You Were Sold This Decade” — just subscribe to our email list here:
👉 https://voxpoliticalonline.com
The government’s move, then, is primarily a convenience for wealthier homeowners who can already afford the cost or have the capital to invest in the home insulation and pipework upgrades that make heat pumps effective.
This change is unlikely to help the millions battling fuel poverty or living in older housing stock that desperately needs improvements before a heat pump would even be viable.
In short, the government’s “easier installation” policy is just another example of environmental measures that benefit the rich — letting them save more money and reduce their carbon footprint — while leaving behind the people who need help the most.
This month, donations through Ko-fi helped keep Vox Political going — and I’ve posted a quick update there about what’s next.
I’m working on a new investigation, a reissued book collection (free to £20+ donors), and plenty of videos to ruffle a few feathers.
Take a look behind the scenes: https://ko-fi.com/voxpolitical
And if you’ve already chipped in — thank you. You’re making this work possible.
If the UK is serious about tackling climate change and fuel poverty, it needs bold, equitable policies that address affordability, incentivise landlords, and support large-scale home retrofitting — not just small regulatory tweaks that help the wealthy get wealthier.
Until then, this change is a symbolic gesture, designed to fool the gullible – not the big leap forward the environment or society needs.
Vox Political needs your help!
If you want to support this site
(but don’t want to give your money to advertisers)
you can make a one-off donation here:
Be among the first to know what’s going on! Here are the ways to manage it:
1) Register with us by clicking on ‘Subscribe’ (bottom right of the home page). You can then receive notifications of every new article that is posted here.
2) Follow VP on Twitter @VoxPolitical
3) Like the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VoxPolitical/
Join the Vox Political Facebook page.
4) You could even make Vox Political your homepage at http://voxpoliticalonline.com
5) Follow Vox Political writer Mike Sivier on BlueSky
6) Join the MeWe page at https://mewe.com/p-front/voxpolitical
7) Feel free to comment!
And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!
If you have appreciated this article, don’t forget to share it using the buttons at the bottom of this page. Politics is about everybody – so let’s try to get everybody involved!
Buy Vox Political books so we can continue
fighting for the facts.
Cruel Britannia is available
in either print or eBook format here:
The Livingstone Presumption is available
in either print or eBook format here:
Health Warning: Government! is now available
in either print or eBook format here:
The first collection, Strong Words and Hard Times,
is still available in either print or eBook format here:
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