Draft Clean Heat Market Mechanism Regulations 2024

Parliament approved the Draft Clean Heat Market Mechanism Regulations 2024 on 15 January 2025 by 424 votes to 109. The regulations require gas boiler manufacturers to sell a minimum proportion of heat pumps each year, with financial penalties applied to those who sell more gas boilers than their permitted quota. The regulations form part of the government's broader "warm home plan" and push manufacturers toward low-carbon heating alternatives rather than compelling consumers to install heat pumps directly. Supporters argued the scheme would reduce household dependence on fossil fuel heating, cut energy bills over time, and strengthen energy security. Critics argued the fines imposed on manufacturers would be passed on to consumers buying gas boilers, making them more expensive for households that have not chosen to switch. The vote divided sharply along party lines. Labour, Labour and Co-operative, Liberal Democrat, SNP, Plaid Cymru, and Green MPs all voted in favour. Conservative and Reform UK MPs voted against, as did the Democratic Unionist Party. One independent MP voted no while seven voted aye. There were no notable cross-party rebellions. The debate carried a pointed political edge: the minister, Miatta Fahnbulleh, quoted the Conservative shadow minister's own words from a 2023 committee endorsing a market-based clean heat mechanism, arguing the Opposition's current position contradicted its previous stance.