22 Sep 2023

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), said in response to the Prime Minister's announcement about the delay of several green commitments: 

"In recent years, the UK's plumbing and heating sector has diligently retooled and upskilled to be green technology transition-ready. While this announcement offers industry and consumers a brief reprieve to help ensure the skills, infrastructure, and cost efficiencies are all in place, it significantly impacts the many businesses that have made substantial investments to be policy-ready."

Green transition

Announced delays from Westminster will also have a cascading effect on the devolved administrations

Fiona Hodgson continued: "The announced delays from Westminster will also have a cascading effect on the devolved administrations' low carbon ambitions, further confusing public messaging and embedding hesitation in business investment to the green transition." 

"Moreover, it fundamentally ignores the vast economic advantages green technologies derive-from potential consumer cost savings of £25-36bn, £70bn in export opportunities, and £100bn of inward investment. The UK has an opportunity to lead the world in green technologies. Weakening our resolve jeopardizes our global standing and ignores the rich economic landscape these initiatives bring."