Homes Give a Royal Thumbs‑Up to the 10‑Year Boiler Delay
In a move that’s keeping most Brits out of a “sorry, you’re stuck with that old gas stove” mood, 69 % of homeowners are cheering Rishi Sunak’s plan to push the ban on oil and LPG boilers back to 2035. That’s a big approval wave from the coast of The Isle to the outskirts of Manchester.
What the Numbers Say
- Overall: 7 out of 10 households say they’re happy with the extra decade.
- Age factor: Those over 55 are even more forgiving – 76 % in favour.
- City highlights: Belfast leads with a 86 % “yes”, followed by Cardiff at 79 %. Norwich and Edinburgh aren’t far behind at 74 %, while Liverpool and Brighton are the leanback group, with only 58 % in favour.
Political Backdrop
The survey dives into partisan pockets:
- Conservatives love the pause – 86 % in agreement.
- Labour supporters are more skeptical – only 45 % say “yes”.
- Surprisingly, full of green folks come in at 50 %, giving Labour a bit of a nudge.
Why the Delay Might Just Be the Good News We All Needed
Jack Coles, a heating whiz from MyBuilder.com, weighed in: “Sure, it’s a pause for the green crusade, but many homeowners are feeling a breath of relief. The current alternatives to gas and oil – think heat pumps – can be pricey and tough to pick from the shelf. Extra time lets folks find the right fit and gives manufacturers a chance to innovate, making these greener options more wallet‑friendly.”
On top of that, Sunak rolled out a heftier grant boost: 50 % up to £7,500 for boiler upgrades. Coles says, “A solid piece of support for folks who are juggling budgets. And with the new heat‑pump designs – some even get a free install under government subsidies – we’re looking at costs that’ll drop as more people jump on the bandwagon. Plus, a well‑insulated home means heat pumps run cheaper than gas boilers.”
Europe’s Not Alone in the Boil‑Free Zone
It’s not a UK-only thing. Germany had a major “Oops!” moment, flipping its stance after backlash over the pricey switch to newer systems. The lesson? When the pressure mounts, even the staunchest governments can change their tune.
So whether you’re rolling up your sleeves for a new heat pump or just holding your breath for that free‑boiler‑upgrade “moonshot,” the future of heating isn’t as bleak as it used to feel. The extra decade? A little extra grace period, a kinder pocket for your home sweet home. Cheers to that!
