The Scottish government has scrapped its plan to mandate green heating upgrades for homeowners soon after purchasing a property. Acting Net-Zero Secretary Gillian Martin announced that the Heat in Buildings Bill—originally proposed by the Scottish Greens under the Bute House Agreement—will not move forward in its current form. She argued that the policy would increase financial hardship instead of helping homeowners.
The decision has sparked criticism from climate activists, opposition parties, and environmental groups. They argue that delaying the transition to green heating undermines Scotland’s climate goals and prolongs dependence on fossil fuels.
Why the Bill Was Scrapped
The bill aimed to cut carbon emissions from home heating, which accounts for 18.5% of Scotland’s greenhouse gas output. It proposed phasing out gas boilers and replacing them with heat pumps or other green alternatives. Homeowners would have had a fixed period after purchasing a home to make the switch.
However, Martin rejected the draft, stating it failed to balance carbon reduction with affordability. “I will introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill only when I am sure it will lower fuel poverty while also decarbonizing homes,” she said. She also criticized the original proposal for overlooking financial concerns and failing to consider other complex factors.
Criticism from Climate Advocates
Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie, who drafted the bill, slammed the decision. “This flies in the face of the climate ambitions that this government is supposed to have,” he said, accusing the Scottish National Party (SNP) of stalling on climate action.
WWF Scotland also condemned the move, warning that delaying green heating policies would hurt low-income households. “By postponing this bill, the government is forcing the poorest in society to rely on expensive fossil fuels and live in damp, unhealthy homes,” said Io Hadjicosta, the charity’s climate and energy policy manager.
Political Reactions and Next Steps
Scottish Conservative net-zero spokesperson Douglas Lumsden called the plan “completely unrealistic” and welcomed its removal. “We warned ministers that they would burden struggling Scots with massive costs, but they ignored us,” he said.
This decision follows the government’s earlier move to scrap annual and interim greenhouse gas reduction targets. Instead, progress will now be measured every five years. Energy Secretary Mairi McAllan admitted that cutting emissions by 75% by 2030 was no longer achievable. However, she emphasized Scotland’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2045.
With the Heat in Buildings Bill shelved, Scotland’s climate strategy appears to be shifting. The government is now prioritizing financial feasibility over aggressive climate action. Without stronger support systems or a policy shift, mandatory green heating upgrades may remain off the agenda for the foreseeable future.
