UK100 has submitted a response to Defra’s consultation on proposed changes to emissions limits, testing regimes and labelling requirements for solid fuel appliances. The submission examines how policy can more effectively reduce particulate emissions from domestic burning, improve public awareness of health risks, and support local authorities in delivering cleaner air.

It outlines key priorities for the proposed reforms:

Strengthening emissions standards to drive real-world impact: The proposed emissions limit is unlikely to deliver meaningful improvements, as a significant proportion of stoves already meet it. Standards should be more ambitious and reflect real-world usage conditions, ensuring they lead to measurable reductions in particulate pollution and associated health harms.

Setting a clear pathway to zero emissions: The proposed 3–5 year implementation period delays emissions reductions and is not proportionate given the urgency of improving air quality and protecting public health. Given the well-established health impacts of particulate pollution, the long-term goal should be the elimination of emissions from domestic solid fuel use. A phased approach to tightening standards would provide certainty while supporting innovation and market transition. 

Reflecting real-world performance in testing and compliance: Emissions testing should account for real-world conditions, including fuel type, user behaviour and maintenance. 

Improving public awareness through mandatory labelling: Mandatory labelling of appliances and fuels is supported, providing consumers with clear, accessible information at the point of purchase and use. However, labelling should clearly communicate health risks, be developed with public health expertise, and be supported by national communications campaigns.

Supporting a fair transition for households: While domestic burning is often a lifestyle choice, some households rely on solid fuels as a primary heat source. Policy changes must be accompanied by targeted support, including financial assistance and access to affordable alternatives, to ensure vulnerable households are not disproportionately affected.

Strengthening enforcement and local authority capacity: Effective regulation depends on robust enforcement frameworks, adequate resourcing, and updated legislation. Local authorities require clearer powers, guidance and funding to monitor compliance and deliver meaningful improvements in air quality. The current regulatory framework focuses on visible smoke rather than harmful particulate pollution, making it unsuitable to addressing modern air quality challenges.

Need for a broader public awareness and behaviour change campaign: Regulatory measures such as emissions standards, labelling, and testing regimes will have limited impact without a sustained national communications campaign to shift public understanding and behaviour. A coordinated campaign, supported by national government should provide clear, consistent messaging on health risks, promote cleaner alternatives, and offer practical guidance. 

Embedding public health at the centre of policy: Domestic burning is a significant contributor to harmful particulate pollution, with serious impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Policy should explicitly reflect these risks and ensure that emissions reduction is treated as a core public health priority.

Overall, UK100 called for continued collaboration with Government to ensure that emissions standards, labelling and enforcement frameworks are strengthened to deliver meaningful improvements in air quality, protect public health, and support a long-term transition to cleaner heating.