The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced plans to expand the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and invest in green skills as part of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan.

The proposed expansion of the scheme could involve the inclusion of more types of heat pumps, such as air to air heat pumps and electric heating technologies, e.g. heat batteries, which are currently ineligible for grants. Additionally, the Government will consider new heat pump purchase options for consumers, for example hire purchase and leasing to make low-carbon heating more accessible.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “The NFB has long advocated for such reforms, particularly for air to air heat pumps, to ensure we can remain technologically agnostic in our approach to the net zero transition. The announced considerations are a significant step towards that goal, and we commend the Government for listening to industry recommendations and taking meaningful action to support the net zero transition on existing homes.”

The Government has also set out plans to train up to 18,000 more home retrofitters and install insulation, solar panels and heat networks.