A coalition of over 60 charities is demanding immediate government action to tackle air pollution, following a startling report revealing that only 24 fines were issued for wood burning in England last year, despite more than 15,000 complaints. As air quality continues to deteriorate, campaigners are urging ministers to prioritise a comprehensive clean air act that would address this pressing public health crisis.
Minimal Enforcement Amidst Rising Complaints
In the year leading up to August 2025, England saw a staggering 15,195 complaints regarding wood burning, yet enforcement action was almost non-existent, with only 24 fines handed out. Jemima Hartshorn, founder of Mums for Lungs, emphasised the dire implications of this lack of action, stating, “Dirty air is the biggest environmental health risk in this country.”
Air pollution is estimated to cost the UK economy approximately £27 billion annually and is linked to a host of serious health issues, including asthma, cancer, and dementia. Hartshorn’s organisation, along with others, is calling for a complete ban on wood burning in urban areas, as the particles released from wood fires are now recognised as equally, if not more, harmful than those from coal.
Experts Weigh In on the Crisis
Stephen Holgate, a leading authority on air pollution and special adviser to the Royal College of Physicians, voiced his frustration over the government’s inaction. He described the current regulatory framework, which dates back to a time when coal was the primary pollutant, as outdated and ineffective. “We know now that these particles from wood burning are at least as toxic, if not more toxic, than those coming out of coal,” he stated, calling it a “disgrace” that complaints have not led to stronger enforcement measures.
Hartshorn also highlighted the growing trend of wood-burner sales in urban areas, urging for an immediate phase-out of these appliances while offering support to rural communities that depend on them for heating. “Unnecessary wood burning is increasing in this country,” she noted, pointing to the rising popularity of wood burners among city dwellers.
Lobbying Concerns Surrounding Regulatory Changes
The call for action comes amidst reports of extensive lobbying by the Stove Industry Association (SIA), which has influenced both Scottish and UK government policies. The SIA’s efforts led to the abandonment of plans to ban wood burners in new homes, a decision that has raised eyebrows among health advocates. The BMJ revealed that between October 2021 and June 2024, there were eight meetings between the SIA and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), while clean air campaigners had only two meetings with government officials during the same period.
Since Labour’s recent election victory, the dynamics have shifted slightly, with 14 meetings held with clean air advocates compared to just three with the SIA. However, campaigners remain sceptical about the government’s commitment as recent consultations have been perceived as lacking substance, effectively ruling out any comprehensive ban on wood burning.
Government Responses and Future Directions
In response to the mounting pressure, a government spokesperson stated, “Our new rules will reduce harms from domestic burning and we will continue to monitor pollution from this source to inform any future action.” Meanwhile, the Scottish government defended its regulatory amendments, citing the need to address concerns from rural communities reliant on wood burners.
The SIA has defended its practices, asserting that its engagement with governments is conducted transparently and in accordance with democratic principles. They argue that a ban on wood burning could harm the UK’s manufacturing and rural economies, despite evidence suggesting that even modern, Ecodesign-compliant stoves still emit air pollutants.
Why it Matters
The demand for a clean air act is not just a call for regulation—it’s a plea for the health and safety of millions. The lack of enforcement against harmful wood burning not only jeopardises public health but also signals a failure in government accountability. With air pollution linked to serious health risks and economic burdens, the time for decisive action is now. Empowering communities and prioritising clean air initiatives could save lives and promote a healthier future for all.
