The government’s decision to scrap a proposal to ban new gas boilers from 2035 has been dismissed as “backward” by a heat pump supplier.

The I newspaper claims that gas boilers will, as promised, be effectively banned in all new-build properties because they won’t meet stringent green guidelines under a new ‘warm homes plan’, set to be confirmed later this year. But a previously planned rule introduced by the Tories – which would stop people replacing their existing gas boilers with new ones from 2035 – will now be scrapped by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

Now in response to the newspaper’s claim, heat pump firm Aira UK claims that there are 250,000 certified heat pump installations in the UK, with nearly 60,000 installed last year alone. 

It also claims that some companies are supplying special electricity tariffs tailored for heat pump users – one criticism of pumps in the past has been that running them via electricity has been expensive. 

A spokesperson for Aira says: “Should the government decide to scrap the 2035 ban on the installation of new gas boilers it will be a backward step that jeopardises the UK’s progress toward achieving its net zero targets. 

“This decision would risk undermining one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK and sends confusing signals to an industry poised to lead the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy, as well as people across the country.

“New figures from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme show that nearly 60,000 heat pumps were installed across the UK in 2024, a record-breaking achievement and a 100% increase on 2022. This remarkable growth confirms that the heat pump sector is not only ready to rise to the challenge but is also one of the UK’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding industries.

“A hard ban on the installation of new gas boilers by 2035 would provide an unambiguous signal to the heating industry and investors that it is time to divest from fossil fuels and fossil fuel-related products and services. Clear policy commitments like this are essential for accelerating the shift to greener and cleaner technologies, and helps to position the UK as a global leader in sustainable innovation.”