It is concerning that the EU was proposing in 2022 to prohibit by 2030 homeowners living in, selling, or renting buildings not energy efficient. This would exclude many from the market unless they invested in costly energy performance improvements like insulation and renewable energy heating systems.
The EU’s proposal would have confiscated older residential buildings, losing the permit to be occupied in just 7 years’ time.
Renovations costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, depending on the size, state, and age of the property, would be unaffordable for most. But without compliance, owners would not be allowed to live in their property or rent it out, leaving them with no home or income.
Although Brussels has now backtracked following a backlash from members states; they now say they would not, “commandeer homes which were not renovated”, The fact is by even considering this is of deep concern for EU citizens, and makes one believe it could still on the cards.
Such draconian EU dik tak is surely another reason to questions why on earth Remainers think re-joining the EU would be a good idea. Unless of course they all live in modern, state of the art eco-friendly homes which conform to ridiculous EU targets.
The BBC Today programme ran a story last week comparing the cost of heating homes in rural areas which rely on oil central heating, to urban areas on mains gas. Customers heating homes with gas having a cost advantage over more expensive oil.
Our home, like many old houses, is heated by a wood burner which also heats the water. It is backed up by oil fired central heating which kicks in if the wood burner dips below 45 degrees. We are fortunate to have ample supplies of wood on the farm, and the wood burners plays a crucial part in preserving the structure, and utilising fallen timber, including the felling of Ash trees stricken by disease, for which we are grateful.
However, the next item highlighted by the BBC brought me back to earth with a bump. Presenters went on to inform listeners that all wood burners are to be checked for emissions. They said, “if wood burners do not conform by being too old or give off the wrong kind of emissions, homeowners will be heavily fined”.
Having investigated how accurate the BBC’s item was: it is clear DEFRA is trying to crack down on log burners. In January 2022, new rules came into force regarding new wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves which should conform to ‘Ecodesign’ guidelines. Households could face fines if they burn unauthorised fuel.
However, it should be noted the Government is not considering a ban on domestic burning in England, recognising that ‘some households are reliant on solid fuel for heating, hot water and cooking’. So much for accurate BBC reporting, stirring up anxiety amongst those who could never afford to upgrade old buildings, some historic and graded, to modern day net zero standards.
The EU’s proposal would have confiscated older residential buildings, losing the permit to be occupied in just 7 years’ time.
Renovations costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, depending on the size, state, and age of the property, would be unaffordable for most. But without compliance, owners would not be allowed to live in their property or rent it out, leaving them with no home or income.
Although Brussels has now backtracked following a backlash from members states; they now say they would not, “commandeer homes which were not renovated”, The fact is by even considering this is of deep concern for EU citizens, and makes one believe it could still on the cards.
Such draconian EU dik tak is surely another reason to questions why on earth Remainers think re-joining the EU would be a good idea. Unless of course they all live in modern, state of the art eco-friendly homes which conform to ridiculous EU targets.
The BBC Today programme ran a story last week comparing the cost of heating homes in rural areas which rely on oil central heating, to urban areas on mains gas. Customers heating homes with gas having a cost advantage over more expensive oil.
Our home, like many old houses, is heated by a wood burner which also heats the water. It is backed up by oil fired central heating which kicks in if the wood burner dips below 45 degrees. We are fortunate to have ample supplies of wood on the farm, and the wood burners plays a crucial part in preserving the structure, and utilising fallen timber, including the felling of Ash trees stricken by disease, for which we are grateful.
However, the next item highlighted by the BBC brought me back to earth with a bump. Presenters went on to inform listeners that all wood burners are to be checked for emissions. They said, “if wood burners do not conform by being too old or give off the wrong kind of emissions, homeowners will be heavily fined”.
Having investigated how accurate the BBC’s item was: it is clear DEFRA is trying to crack down on log burners. In January 2022, new rules came into force regarding new wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves which should conform to ‘Ecodesign’ guidelines. Households could face fines if they burn unauthorised fuel.
However, it should be noted the Government is not considering a ban on domestic burning in England, recognising that ‘some households are reliant on solid fuel for heating, hot water and cooking’. So much for accurate BBC reporting, stirring up anxiety amongst those who could never afford to upgrade old buildings, some historic and graded, to modern day net zero standards.
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