Wood burning stove winter rules could see you slapped with £300 fine and criminal record – avoid getting caught out
HOUSEHOLDS should be aware of rules surrounding this common item which could land you a £300 fine or even a criminal record.
Local authorities can issue fines for illegal log burner use in England.
This rule was introduced by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to reduce air pollution and has been in place for over two decades.
But councils can issue fines under new rules brought in last year.
Last year, the government instructed local authorities to consider using powers in the 2021 Environment Act to issue on-the-spot civil penalties.
Local authorities can issue financial penalties of between £175-£300 for smoke emissions from chimneys in smoke control areas in England.
You could also get a fine of up to £1,000 for using unauthorised fuel in an appliance that’s not on the exempt list.
In some cases, if the situation goes to court, then fines could be as high as £5,000 for repeat offenders, as well as an additional £2,500 for every day the breach continues.
If you are confused about what types of appliances you can use it is always worth ringing your local council and asking for help.
How to avoid being fined
It is not against the law to use one of these heating devices, but there are certain regulations in place for households.
For example, if you live in a smoke control area, wood burners can not emit more than three grams of smoke per hour.
A smoke control area is a place where people and businesses are not allowed to emit a large amount of smoke from a chimney.
This rule was introduced by DEFRA to reduce air pollution and has been in place for over two decades.
You can find out if you live in a smoke control area by using an online map created by the department, this can be found by searching https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/sca/.
For example, people who live in Slough with the SL16 postcode are in a smoke control area meaning how much fumes their appliances can emit is limited.
Residents who live in these types of areas can use log burners, but the appliance must first be approved by DEFRA.
You can find a full list of appliances and fuel which are safe to use by visiting, https://smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk/fuels-php/.
For example, it is safe to use some kinds of smokeless logs such as Aimcor Excel briquettes.
Families who use logs for fire should look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo on fuel packaging.
This means the fuel has less than 20% moisture and complies with DEFRA’s regulations.
If you buy a new log burner then it must adhere to Ecodesign rules to reduce smoke and pollutant emissions.
It is always worth checking with your manufacturer if a wood burner adheres to new ecodesign rules.
The reminder comes as many Brits look for alternative ways to heat their home this winter.
Energy costs have risen by £149 for the average household this month after Ofgem’s new price cap came into force.
Cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment also mean that around 10million pensioners are set to miss out on up to £300 in fuel support.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.