The burning question: is Labour about to ban log burners?

Domestic log burners have hit the headlines more than once in recent years. Often billed as trendy accessories, their warming, mesmerising quality is juxtaposed with their potential to pollute the environment and harm health.

A hot topic

How to manage log burners remains a sensitive subject. In 2024, the Scottish Government introduced – then withdrew – its ban on the installation of wood burners in new build homes. Pressure from rural and island communities ensured the rule lasted less than eight months as, for many, a wood burner is the only form of heat available, or a much-relied on back up. 

A miniscule but mighty pollutant

Now log burners are back in the news thanks to an audacious move to cut harmful indoor emissions by the EU. The main emission in question is PM2.5 particulates – tiny particles (we’re talking a quarter of the size of a speck of dust) that are released into the environment when wood is burnt. Described as one of the most detrimental pollutants by the World Health Organisation, on a par with cigarette smoke, PM2.5 particulates easily enter the lungs and our bloodstream. 

The particles can worsen asthma, COPD and heart disease, and there are reports that PM2.5 particulate exposure increases the chance children will develop asthma, with the added potential to damage unborn babies. 

Upping the clean air anti

Our European counterparts have recently set a new, lower PM2.5 particulate target and Labour would like to match this. To do this, the Government needs to introduce tougher log burner restrictions, especially as our emissions levels remain stubbornly high. How this would be achieved was partially revealed by Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, in January 2026 with the announcement of a new environmental improvement plan (EIP).

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will launch a consultation on the best way to cut pollution levels but it moved quickly to suggest there would be no outright ban on log burners. Homeowners with existing, older log burners should be able to keep them in situ but they will be encouraged (not forced) to swap to more eco-friendly models.

When it comes to smoke control zones – set geographical areas where usually only smokeless fuels are permitted – there are grey areas. While local authorities set their own smoke control zones, an incoming EIP may tighten the air quality conditions and baseline rules authorities need to abide by.

It is expected a greater focus will be on the phasing out of open fires (the very worst PM2.5 particulate polluters), with a push towards eco design stoves that meet existing Cleaner Choice standards, The Clean Air Act and any new benchmarks contained within the finalised EIP.

Buy a log burner but make it eco

Consumers shopping for log burners may receive stronger messaging about the risk of burning solid fuels and be presented with clearer labelling that allows them to easily make the most health conscious choice. It is quite possible that manufacturers of wood burners will be banned from selling their oldest, most polluting models in favour of exclusively selling the newest, eco design versions. 

For now, the future for log burners burns bright, as long as they’re the latest multifuel stove or pellet stove models. If you have property plans, let us know! Perhaps we’re already selling or letting the home of your dream, complete with a log burner.