The innovation foundation Nesta has today responded to the UK Government’s announcement of measures that can help save money on bills and deliver cleaner heating, as part of its Warm Homes Plan, including changes to planning rules for heat pump installations.

Madeleine Gabriel, director of sustainable future at Nesta, said: “Today's announcements will make it easier for people to upgrade to heat pumps. This gives a clear signal to the public and industry that the Government is committed to supporting the transition to low carbon heating.

“In particular, these changes rightly cut the red tape that was creating extra cost and hassle for homeowners and more work for local councils. Heat pumps are proven to be an efficient and reliable technology, and removing the ‘one-metre rule’ will make it easier for people to choose a low carbon future for their homes.”

Nesta analysis for its policy plan for clean heat found that over 3 million homes need to install heat pumps or other low-carbon heating over this Parliament, a 12-fold increase compared to last Parliament.

Nesta has called for the UK Government to extend the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and to reform planning regulations, including the one-metre rule, which required that an air source heat pump must be installed at least 1 metre away from the property wall.

Notes to editors

1. For more information on the analysis or to speak to one of the experts involved, please contact Kieran Lowe, Media Manager, on 020 7438 2576 or [email protected]. Spokespeople are available for broadcast interviews.

About Nesta

We are Nesta, the UK's innovation agency for social good. We design, test and scale solutions to society's biggest problems. Our three missions are to give every child a fair start, help people live healthy lives, and create a sustainable future where the economy works for both people and the planet.

For over 20 years, we have worked to support, encourage and inspire innovation. We work in three roles: as an innovation partner working with frontline organisations to design and test new solutions, as a venture builder supporting new and early stage businesses, and as a system shaper creating the conditions for innovation.

Harnessing the rigour of science and the creativity of design, we work relentlessly to change millions of lives for the better. Find out more at nesta.org.uk