Sector Updates
Confidence rises in UK construction sector
The RICS UK Construction Monitor Q4 2023 shows the sector to be a touch less pessimistic compared to the results of the prior quarter, with hopes and expectations of a cut to interest rates at some point in 2024 increasing optimism. However, while this shift is noticeable, it is moderate, and most key metrics continue to show caution.
Consumer News
Official fuel poverty rates in England “virtually unchanged” in 2023
A leading fuel poverty charity criticises the ‘limited progress’ seen in England last year to address the affordability of heating and highlights an £18bn funding gap to suitably scale up the efficiency of homes across the country.
Government News
Call for chancellor to ‘axe the tax’ on renewable liquid heating fuels in coming budget
The chancellor could achieve a quick win among rural voters by scrapping the tax on renewable liquid heating fuels in his upcoming budget, according to OFTEC and UKIFDA..
Majority of MPs back mandatory solar panels for new builds fghdfhkdfshhzhjjhfjhafsdhjfajhfhjasf
Eight in 10 MPs (79%) support making solar panels mandatory for all new build homes, according to a new YouGov poll. The YouGov survey, carried out online…
Government pledges on decarbonising homes and transport must remain on track, says BMF
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has called on the Chancellor to invest in property repair, maintenance and improvement to create jobs in every region and boost…
Installer Insights
Survey reveals the hidden cost of lending tools
New data from Direct Line Business Insurance shows that 83% of tradespeople regularly lend their tools to workmates, family, or friends. However, the data reveals that tradespeople are being hit in the pocket, with 41% saying that they were returned late or in some cases not at all.
T-Level training highlighted at National Apprenticeship Week
HVAC trade body says the T-Level qualification is one of several examples of how the industry is looking to build an expanded workforce of skilled specialists. FETA has highlighted vocational training opportunities such as the government’s T-Level qualification as an important means.
Product News
HHIC releases guide on differing carbon monoxide detector requirements across the UK
Following several regulatory changes across the different countries in the UK, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring (CoGDEM) have launched a guide on carbon monoxide (CO) detector requirements across the UK.
Heat pump consultation now open saffadfbdfhdbbhbdafhhfd
The government has launched a public consultation on proposals to amend the permitted development right for air source heat pumps in England with a view to making it easer for householders to install this technology.
Boiler makes stand to profit from Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM)
New analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit suggests the UK’s top gas boiler manufacturers could potentially make over £100 million by increasing boiler prices.
Octopus Energy to streamline heat pump installations with network agreement
Industry collaboration aims to reduce the time required to approve and install heat pumps and EV charging systems to account for additional load demand. Octopus Energy has partnered with National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) to streamline the…
Report argues for discounted UK heat pump tariff to drive installations
A national trade body says immediate action is needed to cut the costs of operating heat pumps alongside longer-term government commitments to rebalance electricity costs.
The introduction of an energy tariff discount designed specifically for heat pump…
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