Tom Collins, MP for Worcester, has been criticised by a city Conservative over the ‘boiler tax’ but he has welcomed changes brought in by the Labour government, including the use of heat pumps.
The Labour politician has also met with representatives of Worcester Bosch, where he previously worked, to discuss the changes, arguing that action must be taken to deliver warmer homes that are cheaper to run.
MISSION: Tom Collins, Worcester’s Labour MP, has welcomed a fresh approach over greener energy (Image: Supplied by Labour)
Mr Collins spoke on the issue when the Draft Clean Heat Market Mechanism Regulations 2024 was debated and approved on Monday at a committee, chaired by Martin Vickers.
Seb James, deputy chair for political and campaigning for Worcester Conservatives, said: “In the last week UK temperatures have seen some of the lowest on record.
“This Labour government, backed up by MPs such as Tom, have already taken the winter fuel payment.
“Now they seem determined to keep our most vulnerable cold. Our own analysis shows that any form of boiler tax would result in redundancies at companies such as Worcester Bosch.”
Mr James added: “So not only is Tom going after our pensioners he’s sticking the knife into his former employer. As Conservatives, we are fighting to stop the boiler tax. I am already working with local MPs such as Bradley Thomas to help the people of Worcester. We have not abandoned the city, no matter what our opposition may say.”
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism was first introduced by the previous Conservative government with the aim of increasing sales of heat pumps. However, the policy was criticised by industry including local heating manufacturer Worcester Bosch as a threat to the affordability of boilers.
In a statement released by Mr Collins, he said the new government has met with UK manufacturers including Worcester Bosch, and has listened to industry feedback.
As a result, he said, the new mechanism has ‘drastically reduced targets compared to the Conservatives’ original policy, a move that has been warmly welcomed by those who were unhappy with the original scheme.
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In the Delegated Legislation Committee that approved the legislation earlier this week, Tom Collins said: “I welcome the fresh approach from this Government of partnership with industry, understanding markets and putting people first.
“As the representative of a constituency that is home to one of our large domestic heating technology manufacturers, which produces boilers, heat pumps and other technologies for heating, I welcome the renewed targets that come with these regulations alongside and as a result of the Government’s fresh, constructive approach”.
Tom Collins also said: “My career in business was oriented around the mission to make warmth clean, secure and affordable. I’m really pleased that our new government has this mission at its heart, and that it’s working so much more closely with industry and businesses. The new approach, and the changes we are already seeing, are great news for Worcester.”
Worcester Bosch declined to comment.