The Government’s push to ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions could mean more people turn to solid fuel.

That’s the assessment of Malcolm Farrow, head of public affairs at OFTEC, who spoke to Mr Soot owner David for his weekly Trade Entrepreneur podcast.

They discussed the government pledge of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and what it means for households and businesses.

Malcolm said that while he agrees with the need to reduce emissions, he feels one of the first steps – mandating homes without gas to switch to heat pumps if their oil system fails from 2026 onwards –  are ‘not the easy wins the government thinks they are’.

He added: “We might see a mini boom in wood burning if people are worried about the cost of heat pumps.

‘When the weather is a bit milder you could potentially not have your heating on so much, and rely on woodburning in the evening instead.”

Over the 42 minute programme, David and Malcolm discussed how trades were largely unprepared to help deliver new ‘net zero’ related services, and whether they would even want to.

They also talked about the general lack of awareness among the public about just how much of a shift it will mean in day-to-day living.

Malcolm said we are currently ‘sleepwalking – potentially – into a very big problem’.

David said: “It was great to have Malcolm on Trade Entrepreneur. We had a very wide-ranging, fascinating discussion about the whole ‘Net Zero’ project. It’s clear that, although maybe well-intentioned, the current policy is riddled with holes.

“It’s something the new Prime Minister really should look at urgently. We owe it to future generations to get this right.”

The interview can be heard below or via www.trade-entrepreneur.co.uk