MP writes to Environment Minister over boiler ban

LOCAL MP Dr Andrew Murrison has written to the Environment Minister, Thérèse Coffey, over the proposed ban on new oil boilers saying the plans will make life increasingly difficult for those in his constituency who are reliant on oil.

The government has been consulting on oil-powered boilers and is considering beginning a phase out of new sales from 2026 as well as introducing air-source heat pumps.

Dr Murrison said, “I support greener, cleaner fuels and the government in achieving its energy targets. However, heat pumps remain unaffordable for many and gas is unavailable in many isolated areas.

“I do not want to see residents in remote, mostly rural, locations bearing a very substantial and disproportionate burden from the country’s net zero trajectory any more than I want less well-off people reliant on older cars paying much more for it through the ultra low emissions zone tax. I feel sure my ministerial colleagues will want to find an equitable way to achieve net zero.”