In the recent Autumn Budget there were announcements made that may have an impact on your plumbing and heating business.
Despite speculation, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) has not been impacted, however it was revealed that the ECO4 scheme, would end on 31 March 2026.
For those of you who have joined MCS as a requirement of ECO4, we would like to remind you that you also are accredited under our Competent Person Scheme (CPS) and that this remain necessary to self-certify (notify) any installations that you complete for building regulations purposes.
The government reaffirmed support for low-carbon heating solutions with extra funding being added to the Warm Homes Plan. That suggests continued demand for retrofits, heat-pump installation, insulation and other energy-efficiency/heating upgrades. We await the Warm Homes Plan for full clarity.
It was also announced that apprenticeships for under-25s at SMEs will be fully funded. For plumbing and heating businesses, this lowers a major barrier to hiring and training new staff. This could help you expand your workforce without upfront training costs.
The budget increased the national minimum wage (and national living wage) so we encourage members to revisit cashflow projections.
While the Autumn Budget brings its share of uncertainty, demand for skilled installers remains strong, and continued investment in warmer, more energy-efficient homes means our industry will stay at the heart of the UK’s transition to cleaner heating.
For members of APHC, the expertise you bring has never been more valuable. By staying adaptable, and continuing to deliver high-quality work, plumbing and heating businesses are well-placed to thrive in the years ahead. The future for our industry is bright, and we look forward to supporting you every step of the way.
More information: www.gov.uk/government/collections/budget-2025