Wood-burning stoves face stricter rules under Labour plan to tackle air pollution

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"It could see a tightening in standards for new stoves to lower emissions, as well as introducing clearer labelling. But Defra officials told The Independent they were not planning to consult on banning domestic burning by geographical area, or to seek a ban on the use of older stoves that have already been sold. Furthermore, there are no plans to change rules for Smoke Control Areas, active in many parts of the county, where people can only burn authorised fuel."

The Independent deploys journalists to report on reproductive rights, climate change, Big Tech and other developing stories and seeks donations to fund on-the-ground reporting. The Independent is trusted across the political spectrum and does not use paywalls, relying on supporters who can afford to fund quality journalism for wider access. Labour ministers are considering stricter rules on wood-burning stoves to reduce air pollution, including tighter standards for new stoves and clearer labelling. Defra said it will not consult on banning domestic burning by area or on banning older stoves already sold, and Smoke Control Area rules remain unchanged. Wood burners are identified as a key source of PM2.5 linked to respiratory and heart conditions, and the government has set a new target to cut PM2.5 levels.

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