The government is consulting on tighter rules for solid fuel heating and log burners, with industry figures urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to focus on fining people who use outdated stoves rather than only regulating new products.
Under Labour's Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), manufacturers would be banned from selling older log burner models unless they meet new standards. Existing burners in homes would not be retrospectively outlawed, and Smoke Control Areas could face stricter restrictions.
Health Impact of Solid Fuel Burning
The EIP states: "The burning of solid fuels is a large contributor to national emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and is a major source of air pollution, especially in urban areas. The World Health Organisation considers PM2.5 the most harmful pollutant to human health (air pollution is responsible for 6.7 million premature deaths every year, World Health Organisation (WHO) 2025)."
It adds: "These particles can enter the bloodstream and internal organs, and there is a growing body of evidence linking exposure with a range of debilitating health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and asthma. We will consult on further measures to reduce emissions from domestic burning… Consult on new measures that cut emissions from domestic combustion, whilst minimising the impact on those that need to burn and respecting traditional celebratory festivals such as Bonfire Night and Diwali."
Industry Calls for Enforcement on Old Stoves
Calvin May, HETAS head of technical and certification, said: "A wood burner isn't a fashion accessory you swap out each season - stoves can sit in a home for 15 years or more. Tightening smoke limits for new log burners is welcome, but this is going to take over a decade to filter through to most homes. If the government wants cleaner air sooner, it needs a serious plan for the open fires and outdated stoves in homes right now – not the advanced ones coming onto the market. Until there is a proper plan for these this proposal is only a partial fix."
The government aims to cut PM2.5 emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Domestic combustion accounted for a fifth of these harmful particles in 2023.
£2,000 Fine for Wet Wood Sales
Plans include a £2,000 fine for non-compliance with the rules, including for sellers of wet wood, which is more polluting. Helen Bentley-Fox, Woodsure director, welcomed the higher fines, saying: "£2,000 is a real step forward, because for the first time it makes staying on the wrong side of the law meaningfully expensive." She stressed that enforcement would be crucial.
Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, whose daughter Ella died from an asthma attack linked to air pollution, called the new PM2.5 targets a "win". She told the Press Association: "It's not quite Ella's Law yet, but it's a step in the right direction."
