PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2026 6 News Review Survey shows slip in net zero support


Successive UK governments are losing the battle of public opinion around net zero, claims industry trade body EUA (Energy and Utilities Alliance). The claim comes after the


organisation concluded its annual opinion poll tracker with YouGov. When asked how important it was for the UK to meet its net zero obligations by 2050, a majority of respondents (60%) said it was important, but that number has fallen in successive years from 69% in 2024, 65% in 2025, to now. Conversely, those responding by saying it was unimportant has grown from 21% in 2024, 27% in 2025, to 31% in 2026. The gulf between the two sides has fallen from +48 to +38 and now stands at +29. Public opinion has also swung sharply behind action on the cost of energy bills rather than lowering carbon emissions. When asked to prioritise elements of the


so-called energy trilemma, 57% wanted action on energy bills, 22% on energy security and just 10% on carbon emissions, down from 15% last year.


Reminder about VAT opportunity


With the cost of living remaining a major issue for many consumers, installers are being urged to tell customers that heating control installations currently qualify for zero VAT. Resideo, the company behind the Honeywell Home brand, wants to remind the trade that thermostats, timers and thermostatic radiator valves qualify for zero VAT when professionally supplied and installed together. The zero rate applies to qualifying


Commenting on the


findings, EUA CEO Mike Foster says: “This is a sharp reminder, a warning, of the importance that public opinion plays in the debate over net zero. While the majority still support the 2050 target, at the rate of attrition seen over the past couple of years, by 2030 the policy will not command the support of the public. The transition needs to be done with the public, not seen to be done to them. “Whitehall needs to adapt


its thinking, stop penalising people and making their lives harder and instead work with the grain of public opinion.


Debates around the use of air con in hot weather and gas boilers in the cold should stop. Instead, let’s see how we can green cooling and green the gas we use in our homes too. “Let’s explore all options


to decarbonise our homes rather than settling on the most expensive option of a heat pump, which only the wealthy can afford to buy and run. Last year, £500 million of the public’s cash was spent on 50,000 heat pump installations, many for already wealthy households, at a time when the public at large is crying out for help to pay their own bills.”


installation services and to qualifying controls supplied by the person installing them in residential accommodation or qualifying charitable buildings. VAT treatment depends on the circumstances, particularly where the controls form part of wider heating-system work. Steve Warrington, sales director at


Resideo, comments: “With the cost of living continuing to dominate the news headlines,


heating installers are reminded that they currently have an opportunity that can help their customers ahead of this year’s heating season. “At the moment, heating controls – including thermostats,


timers, and


thermostatic radiator valves – qualify for 0% VAT when professionally supplied and installed together, with no complex eligibility criteria to navigate. The relief applies UK-wide and is presently scheduled to run until March 2027 – giving installers a genuine window to act.”


Technical guide explains the rules regarding unvented systems


Recover, manage, and save water


Horizontal multi-stage centrifugal pumps


A new technical guide to help installers, specifiers and manufacturers navigate the regulatory requirements for unvented hot water systems has been published by the Hot Water Association (HWA) and the Heat Pump Association (HPA) as the transition to low- carbon heating accelerates. The publication, ‘Unvented Hot Water Systems: Regulatory Compliance


Explained’,


addresses some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the regulations and requirements of Approved Document G3 and the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations for modern hot water installations. It has been developed in response to the growing need for clearer guidance for all unvented cylinder installers, including those in heat pump systems as they become increasingly common for domestic heating. The regulatory framework governing


BSRIA issues an updated guide to Building Regs


In response to major changes to Building Submersible pumps Booster pumps


and underground lifting stations


SFA has now developed a new range of products specifically for clear water management.


Our clear water pumps can transport water from remote locations, whether to supply a watering system, empty a swimming pool, or remove water. Easy to install, they adapt to all configurations, even in the most difficult to access places.


Stainless steel centrifugal pumps


Regulations, BSRIA has published BG 92/2026 Building Regulations, a new guide to help building services engineers, designers and contractors navigate complex compliance needs. The easy-to-follow guide covers Parts A to


T of the Building Regulations and the key legislative differences across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and also sets out new and upcoming changes. Under the new Part L, for example, gas boilers will not be permitted in new homes, heat pumps and heat networks will become standard, while PV panels will be required in most new dwellings. It also covers the revised Approved Document F, which starts to come into effect in 2027 and Part O overheating requirements.


David Bleicher, publications manager for


BSRIA, says: “Building Regulations changes this year are stacking up in a way that makes it harder to manage than usual. Our BG 92/2026 guide provides a clear account of how Building Regulations work, outlines key requirements and guidance, and signposts to government websites and documents with the details. It’s essential for anyone working in the built environment.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/926/04


unvented hot water systems has not changed, but the guide has been developed to explain how regulations should be interpreted in today’s market. The guide explains the


legal requirements of G3, including the need to prevent stored water from exceeding 100°C and to ensure that any discharge from safety devices is conveyed safely. It also summarises the key provisions of Schedule 2 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations, covering temperature controls, relief valves, expansion control and discharge arrangements. The publication also reinforces that


responsibility for regulatory compliance rests with the installer, designer or builder undertaking the work. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/926/03


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