New data reveals that despite over 10,000 complaints about wood burning in populated areas since January 2022, only one prosecution and three fines have been issued for the use of banned wood-burning stoves in England. Local councils seem to be falling short in enforcing the government’s touted “tough new restrictions” on stoves, with two-thirds of complaints left unaddressed and only a few resulting in any action.
The tighter regulations on wood burners are aimed at curbing air pollution, particularly in urban areas with high particulate pollution. The burning of wood, a significant source of the smallest and harmful particles (PM2.5), has surpassed traffic as one of the most detrimental contributors to air quality in the UK. Emissions of PM2.5 from wood burning have surged by 35% between 2010 and 2020, contributing to an annual toll of 26,000 to 38,000 premature deaths in England.
Under the Environment Act 2021, fines of up to £300 and potential criminal prosecutions with fines of up to £5,000 can be imposed on households using unauthorized fuels in smoke-control areas. However, despite the severity of the issue, only about 8% of UK residents burn solid fuels indoors. This minority, mainly concentrated in urban areas, bears a disproportionate responsibility for air pollution.
Research by the campaign group Mums for Lungs revealed that 80 local authorities were not utilizing the new powers, and 47 councils claimed the measures did not apply to them. The group’s founder, Jemima Hartshorn, expressed concern over the failure of these legal provisions to reduce the harm to people’s health and has urged the Office for Environmental Protection to investigate.
In January, the government pledged to introduce legislation cutting the emissions limit of wood-burning stoves from 5g of smoke per hour to 3g. However, the commitment appeared to waver in August when the air quality strategy framework suggested a potential reduction in the limit after consulting on strengthening the effect of smoke-control areas.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs emphasized that local authorities have a legal duty to act on pollution and issue fines as necessary. The department remains committed to lowering the emissions limit, with a consultation slated for the coming year.
