A new set of fireplace regulations is poised to take effect under Andy Burnham’s upcoming leadership as Prime Minister. The newly elected Labour MP for Makerfield will oversee the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), which proposes a range of measures aimed at improving air quality by regulating household emissions.
Central to the plan is a ban on the sale of older wood burner models, coupled with the possibility of stricter controls in Smoke Control Areas. These changes are designed to reduce pollution from fine particulate matter, specifically PM 2.5 — particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less — which are known to adversely affect health.
The updated EIP, published on December 1, sets an ambitious target to lower the annual mean concentration of PM 2.5 to 10 micrograms per cubic metre by December 2030, advancing the previous goal which aimed for this level by 2040. Currently, the annual PM 2.5 limit stands at 25 micrograms per cubic metre.
READ MORE: Pharmacies Prepare for Surge in Demand as New Weight Loss Pill Hits Shelves
READ MORE: Tividale Shipping Container Storage Facility Approved for 24-Hour Operation
Industry experts have welcomed these moves. Calvin May, Head of Technical Services at HETAS, the solid fuel industry body, noted that stoves meeting Cleaner Choice standards already comply with the proposed targets. He emphasized the importance of practical and enforceable policies that align with industry insights, encouraging smoother adoption of cleaner-burning technologies and informed consumer choices.
Environmental advocates also see the EIP as a critical step forward. Ruth Chambers from the Green Alliance highlighted the plan’s potential to leverage government action towards restoring nature, improving air and water quality, and fostering a circular economy. She urged for swift and sustained implementation to maximize these environmental benefits and reconnect communities with the natural world.