The Scottish Government Climate Change Act 2019 and Climate Change Plan set out various actions to help tackle climate change. Local authorities have been given strict deadlines to meet in relation to improving the energy efficiency of their housing stock, which in turn reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption.
As a result, Perth & Kinross Council can no longer approve the installation or replacement of solid fuel heating systems, the opening of an existing flue or old fireplace to install a wood burner, or any other solid fuel appliance in our tenants' homes.
This is because we must move to low and zero-emissions heating systems so that we meet legal requirements.
To comply with current legislation, we will refuse all requests for any open-flued appliance that burns wood, coal, coke (a by-product of coal) or gas, due to environmental damage caused by them.
These appliances also present a health risk to our tenants. There is an obvious fire risk, and they can also produce deadly carbon monoxide gas, especially if they have been poorly installed or maintained or are used incorrectly. This could place you, your family and neighbours' health at significant risk.
Given the risks, and our current policy position, if we find any unauthorised wood burners or stoves in our properties we will ask for them to be removed, or we will remove them. You could be recharged the cost of us carrying out the work.
As a landlord we are committed to improving the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of all our homes. We provide appropriate heating systems in all our properties and ensure they are all inspected and maintained regularly, in line with current legislation and guidance.
If you are experiencing any issues with your heating system please contact us on 01738 476000 (choose option 1, then option 1 again for gas heating, or option 2 for electric heating) and we will be happy to help.
If you are worried about the cost of using your current heating system please call your Locality Housing Team on 01738 476000 (option 2) or use our general enquiry form and we will be happy to provide advice and support.
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