From this month onwards, Brits could face a £300 fine if they neglect a simple chimney check as temperatures drop.
Many homes in England, particularly those built before the 1990s, have chimneys. Often, these chimneys haven’t been used for years, or ever, and many are blocked or abandoned.
However, millions still depend on their fireplaces for warmth during winter, using traditional fuels like coal. Others use wood burners, which are typically installed in the chimney.
Starmer’s Britain 🇬🇧: Households using a chimney face £300 fines from this month. Repeat offenders warned they could face criminal charges. https://t.co/d6rE6RUNfp #WinterFuelAllowance #Labour #Starmer 🇮🇱 #NHS #Ukraine #pensioners
— Manchester Chronicle 🐝 (@WithyGrove) September 12, 2024
Warnings have been issued to UK households that if their chimneys emit smoke, they could be reported to local councils and fined under new Smoke Control Area regulations. These areas regulate the amount of smoke that can be emitted from chimneys.
Most of England now falls under Smoke Control Areas. Residents in these areas could be fined £300 if their chimneys produce excessive smoke. Repeat offenders might even face criminal charges. According to Section 19 of the Clean Air Act 1993, releasing too much smoke from a chimney incurs a £300 fine.
Direct Stoves, a wood stove retailer, states: “The current smoke emission limit in a Smoke Control Area is 5g per hour, plus 0.5g for each kW of the stove’s heat output. There are plans to reduce this limit to 3g per hour, though the timeline is not confirmed.”
“These rules mean only some individuals with a wood-burning stove or open fire will face fines. Most modern wood burners are DEFRA-approved, so many stove owners need not worry.”
For those looking to upgrade an older, smoky wood burner or install a new one, it’s advisable to choose a DEFRA-approved appliance. Such stoves are designed and tested to comply with Smoke Control Area restrictions.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Examiner Live reports that UK households with chimneys face fines of £300 if they emit excessive smoke in Smoke Control Areas, with new rules limiting smoke output to 5g per hour.(read more)
- LancsLive reports that every house with a chimney in England faces fines of up to £300 if they emit excessive smoke, with new rules regulating Smoke Control Areas and stricter limits on chimney emissions.(read more)
- Bristol Post reports that UK households risk £300 fines if they use chimneys, with new regulations enforcing smoke limits in Smoke Control Areas, and older wood burners may need upgrading to DEFRA-approved models.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the fine for having a smoky chimney in the UK?
You could be fined £300 if your chimney emits too much smoke.
Are most areas in England covered by Smoke Control Areas?
Yes, most areas in England are now covered by Smoke Control Areas.
What is the smoke limit for chimneys in Smoke Control Areas?
The limit is 5g per hour, plus 0.5g for each kW of stove heat output.
Can you be fined for using a wood-burning stove?
Yes, if it emits too much smoke and is not DEFRA-approved.
How can I avoid being fined for my wood burner?
Upgrade to a DEFRA-approved wood burner designed for Smoke Control Areas.
