Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg is sceptical of the scheme to encourage Brits to switch to heat pumps (Image: GETTY)
Plans to encourage Britons to switch from gas boilers to heat pumps under a ￡450million scheme have sparked a fresh backlash.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) flagship programme to champion heat pumps, which can cost up to ￡13,000.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Link Sponsored Link
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Skin Dermatitis
What Does an Atopic Dermatitis Rash Look Like? (See for Yourself)Skin Dermatitis
Undo
In the DESNZ’s own words, the scheme provides a “grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler”.
But official figures show one in six grants are being issued to people building their own homes from scratch – and who therefore have no existing fossil fuel heating system to “replace”.
Powered By
00:00/01:54
10
10
Wildfire rages across Gran Canaria tackled with helicopters
Share
Next
Stay
Data from energy regulator Ofgem revealing the ￡7,500 Government-issued grants are going to self-build properties has now raised fresh questions from an industry leader about the BUS scheme’s efficacy.
Sponsored
Nosybee
Nosybee4 Sisters Take the Same Picture For 40 Years. Don't Cry When You See the Last One!
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
READ MORE: Heat pump backlash grows with Rishi Sunak facing revolt from Tory MPs
Trending
Mike Foster, CEO of industry body Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), told Express.co.uk: “The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been criticised in the past for giving relatively well-off households a cash bung of ￡7,500 to replace their boilers with a heat pump.
“The average cost is over ￡13,000, so those receiving the grant need large chunks of cash already at their disposal to pay for this upgrade.”
Top Tory Brexiteer Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg was also sceptical of the scheme.
The former Cabinet minister told Express.co.uk: “No one will install heat pumps unless bribed to do so.”
EXCLUSIVE: Politician driving UK's switch to heat pumps is still using gas to heat own home
Heat pumps can cost ￡13,000 to purchase and install (Image: GETTY)
Mr Foster went on to attack the idea of the BUS being used a a straight cash bung for self-builders.
He said: “But what taxpayers probably didn’t know, is that one in six grants go to those who are building their own home – self-builders.
“There is no boiler to upgrade, it is just a straight cash handout to reduce the cost of self-building a home.
“Very few people can afford to do this but so far, the taxpayer has shelled out over ￡20million directly to self-build homes.”
The industry representative went on to question whether the taxpayer funds could be better spent financing public education and healthcare needs instead of Britons with enough cash at their disposal to build their own home.
Mr Foster also criticised the DESNZ for appearing to use the eligibility criteria as a means of artificially inflating the success of the national drive for UK homes to install heat pumps.
He said: “In the language of the Treasury, it is ‘deadweight’ expenditure, there is no carbon saving; no boilers have been replaced; it is simply a way of inflating the success of a scheme.
“After this week’s budget, taxpayers will be surprised that there is the cash floating around to do this.
“They probably think any spare cash should go to schools and hospitals first, not financing self-build homes.”
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The DESNZ pointed out that self-build properties were eligble for the BUS when approached for comment.
Commenting on the BUS scheme earlier this year, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “We recently made our Boiler Upgrade Scheme one of the most generous schemes in Europe.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Energy bills price hikes is devastating health and wellbeing, study claims
4 Comments
Fuel duty changes risk ‘hindering progress' on EV adoption as Jeremy Hunt sent message
8 Comments
‘I'm an engineer - here's the exact date to switch off your heating to save on bills'
14 Comments
Boris Johnson set for big general election comeback in bid to rescue Tories
441 Comments
Lee Anderson kicked out of exclusive Carlton Club after defection to Reform UK
39 Comments
Tory donor in racism row over 'reprehensible' comments about Diane Abbott
58 Comments
Brutal map leaves Brexit-hater Leo Varadkar humiliated after crushing referendum defeat
930 Comments
Lee Anderson's defection to Reform UK sparks explosion in new members
140 Comments
Tories left 'disappointed' after Lee Anderson signalled he wanted to return to the party
496 Comments
Angela Rayner hits back after ex-neighbour brands her 'f****** liar' in homes row
987 Comments
‘I am the only candidate who beat Joe Biden in the primaries - and here's how I did it'
1 Comments
Donald Trump has just declared war on the EU - and it will infuriate Ursula von der Leyen
79 Comments
‘Height of hypocrisy!' David Lammy torn apart as latest attack on Boris Johnson backfires
204 Comments
'This is huge': Nigel Farage breaks silence over Lee Anderson's bombshell defection
1325 Comments
SavingsPro
Three Top Banks Are Paying Record High Interest - See the ListSavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Jeremy Hunt urged to address energy bills 'scandal' in Spring Budget this week
27 Comments
UK's new ￡12m plan for 4,600 mile underground tunnel - that will cost ￡600m a year to run
6 Comments
FavoriteSearches
The New Sierra 1500 Is So Cheap Now (Take A Look)FavoriteSearches
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Eco boss Dale Vince creates 'green budget' which could save households ￡2,500 a year
63 Comments
Energy bills could be slashed by hundreds if you stop making this simple mistake
14 Comments
Nugenix
GNCs #1 Testosterone Booster, Nugenix, Is Shipping Out Samples To Men Over 40 This Week! Tap HereNugenix Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Huge new 80-mile pipeline hidden deep under UK to unlock ￡30bn in major energy lifeline
86 Comments
Major heat pump U-turn with hated 'boiler tax' set to be axed in announcement soon
128 Comments
Eyelash Queen
This Mascara is the Ultimate Solution for Women 40+Eyelash Queen
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Energy bills price hikes is devastating health and wellbeing, study claims
4 Comments
Fuel duty changes risk ‘hindering progress' on EV adoption as Jeremy Hunt sent message
8 Comments
Unforgettable Gadgets
61 Shockingly Bizarre Gifts Nobody Would Think OfUnforgettable Gadgets Shop Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
‘I'm an engineer - here's the exact date to switch off your heating to save on bills'
14 Comments
Boris Johnson set for big general election comeback in bid to rescue Tories
441 Comments
Masterquiz
Try This Method To Shrink Enlarged ProstateMasterquiz Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Lee Anderson kicked out of exclusive Carlton Club after defection to Reform UK
39 Comments
Tory donor in racism row over 'reprehensible' comments about Diane Abbott
58 Comments
Plaque Psoriasis Treatment | Search Ads
Plaque Psoriasis Is Silent But Deadly - Know the SignsPlaque Psoriasis Treatment | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Brutal map leaves Brexit-hater Leo Varadkar humiliated after crushing referendum defeat
930 Comments
Lee Anderson's defection to Reform UK sparks explosion in new members
140 Comments
Psoriatic Arthritis Signs
Subtle Red Flag Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis That Shouldn't Be IgnoredPsoriatic Arthritis Signs Search Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Tories left 'disappointed' after Lee Anderson signalled he wanted to return to the party
496 Comments
Angela Rayner hits back after ex-neighbour brands her 'f****** liar' in homes row
987 Comments
BrightLifeDaily
Plaque Psoriasis: Usual Signs Symptoms. See Here To Take A LookBrightLifeDaily Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
‘I am the only candidate who beat Joe Biden in the primaries - and here's how I did it'
1 Comments
Donald Trump has just declared war on the EU - and it will infuriate Ursula von der Leyen
79 Comments
Chequing Account Bonuses
Some Banks are Paying Up To $2,000 Just To Open A Bank AccountChequing Account Bonuses Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
‘Height of hypocrisy!' David Lammy torn apart as latest attack on Boris Johnson backfires
204 Comments
'This is huge': Nigel Farage breaks silence over Lee Anderson's bombshell defection
1325 Comments
Jeremy Hunt urged to address energy bills 'scandal' in Spring Budget this week
27 Comments
UK's new ￡12m plan for 4,600 mile underground tunnel - that will cost ￡600m a year to run
6 Comments
Eco boss Dale Vince creates 'green budget' which could save households ￡2,500 a year
63 Comments
Energy bills could be slashed by hundreds if you stop making this simple mistake
14 Comments
Huge new 80-mile pipeline hidden deep under UK to unlock ￡30bn in major energy lifeline
86 Comments
Major heat pump U-turn with hated 'boiler tax' set to be axed in announcement soon
128 Comments
Energy bills price hikes is devastating health and wellbeing, study claims
4 Comments
Fuel duty changes risk ‘hindering progress' on EV adoption as Jeremy Hunt sent message
8 Comments
‘I'm an engineer - here's the exact date to switch off your heating to save on bills'
14 Comments
Boris Johnson set for big general election comeback in bid to rescue Tories
441 Comments
Lee Anderson kicked out of exclusive Carlton Club after defection to Reform UK
39 Comments
Tory donor in racism row over 'reprehensible' comments about Diane Abbott
58 Comments
Brutal map leaves Brexit-hater Leo Varadkar humiliated after crushing referendum defeat
930 Comments
Plaque Psoriasis
Do You Know What Plaque Psoriasis Is? (Take A Look)Plaque Psoriasis
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
PelvicFloorPro
Strength Pelvic Floor: 3-Step Movement Sequence Relieve Years Of Bladder LeakagePelvicFloorPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Roof Replacement
$15,000 Grant for Roof ReplacementRoof Replacement
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Health Benefits
Top US Men's Surgeons: Do This Once Daily To Improve an Enlarged ProstateHealth Benefits
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
“Applications are now up by nearly 50% compared to last year.
“Helping people, rather than forcing them, to make the right choices for their homes will always be my priority.”
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, said: “Our approach to reaching net zero works and because of increased heat pump grants, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.”
Related articles Heat pump costs rise to ￡45,000 but seven tips could reduce your energy bills New heat pump rollout to hand Britons ￡1.5bn energy lifeline and slash bills 'I bought a heat pump for ￡25,000 - my energy bills now cost me ￡600 a month' Heat pump tsar uses gas boiler in London home as new data leak sparks row Major heat pump U-turn with hated 'boiler tax' set to be axed