Legislation on Heat Pumps Faces New Year Rebellion
Rishi Sunak is facing another New Year rebellion as Tory MPs plan to block new taxes on older boilers. Legislation to get Brits to switch to expensive heat pumps is due to be debated in January. It will see charges slapped on boiler makers who do not hit green targets from next April. But MPs warn these charges will be passed onto already soaring energy bills.
Boiler Firms Face Steep Fines for Not Meeting Green Targets
Boiler firms will have to ensure that 4 per cent of sales are made up of heat pumps next year, rising to 6 per cent by the middle of the decade. They face a £3,000 fine for every boiler that misses the target. Manufacturers say it could see bills hiked by £120 to meet the costs of rolling out heat pumps.
Tory Supporters Vow to Vote Against Measures Impacting Bill Payers
The Net Zero Scrutiny Group, which has around 50 Tory supporters, say they will vote against any measure that hits bill payers. Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay told the Telegraph: "The Government’s planned new boiler tax is another blow to hardworking families. If heat pumps are as good as ministers are claiming then why do they feel the need to mandate them? I urge the Prime Minister to remember his speech from back in September and deliver on his promise to protect families from the cost of net zero. He must scrap this tax."
Experts Warn of Green Mania Increasing Inflation and Lowering Living Standards
Ex-Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg warned: "Once again the green mania will increase inflation and lower living standards. It is wrong to tax boilers. If heat pumps are expensive and inefficient people should not be coerced into buying them." And ex-cabinet minister Sir John Redwood branded the charges "a disgrace", adding: "It will mean higher prices for gas boilers for the many who still want them and will not necessarily sell more heat pumps."
