"Government statistics have indicated that nationally 40% of wood is burnt on open fires. This rises to 70% when it comes to London, despite the fact that burning wood on an open fire is not permitted under the current Clean Air Act." - SIA (Stove Industry Alliance)

No Ban On Woodburners

The Clean Air Strategy summarises actions to reduce emissions from domestic burning, clearly identifying there is no intention to ban wood burning stoves. The key points:

• Legislate to prohibit sale of the most polluting fuels.
• Ensure that only the cleanest stoves are available for sale by 2022.
• Give new powers to local authorities to take action in areas of high pollution, bringing legislation into the 21st century with more flexible, proportionate enforcement powers.
• Work with industry to identify an appropriate test standard for new solid fuels entering the market.
• Ensure that consumers understand what they can do to reduce their impact from burning.

The strategy also suggests Defra will give local authorities powers to go further in areas of high pollution - for example exploring what further steps government can take to enable local authorities to encourage ‘no burn days’ during high-pollution episodes.

Published by HETAS on July 6th, 2018 by Alun