Ministers are poised to allow homes in England to be built without carbon-cutting technology in what experts have said is a climbdown after pressure from housebuilders. Battery storage would cost an estimated £2,000 to £5,000 for each new home but result in longterm savings on energy bills. View image in fullscreen Heat pumps are still expected to be mandatory in all new-build homes in England as part of the future homes standard. Photograph: JulPo/GettyBuilding the 1.5m new homes Labour has promised without batteries will also cut off potential advantages to the UK’s electricity grid. Ministers are expected to announce the “warm homes plan” at the same time as the future homes standard, setting out how to insulate England’s draughty housing.

Source: The Guardian January 02, 2026 12:27 UTC