South West Wiltshire MP calls for rethink on heating oil ban
Andrew Murrison has raised the concerns of constituents in rural areas
South West Wiltshire's MP says banning new heating oil boilers from 2026 will make 'life increasingly difficult' for people in rural areas.
Dr Andrew Murrison has written to the Environment Minister, Mark Spencer, calling for the rethink on the Government's plans.
He says he's received 'a number of letters' from constituents who live in the more remote parts of his patch, which currently includes Tisbury and Mere.
Concerns have been raised by those with heating oil boilers, in places that aren't covered by the gas network.
Andrew Murrison said:
"I support greener, cleaner fuels and the government in achieving its energy targets. However, heat pumps remain unaffordable for many and gas is unavailable in many isolated areas.
"I do not want to see residents in remote, mostly rural, locations bearing a very substantial and disproportionate burden from the country's net zero trajectory any more than I want less well off people reliant on older cars paying much more for it through the ULEZ tax. I feel sure my ministerial colleagues will want to find an equitable way to achieve net zero."