The National Rural Conference 2025

Bookings are now officially open for the National Rural Conference 2025, which will take place online from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September.
This is the Rural Services Network’s flagship event of the year, bringing together rural decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates for four days of live, interactive sessions focused on the future of rural communities.
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Concern rise for rural homes not ready for heat pumps

The Argus reports that a new survey reveals that just one in five oil-heated homes are currently ready for a heat pump

The survey of 229 heating technicians was carried out by the Oil Firing Technical Association (Oftec) in response to the Government’s proposals to end the installation of new fossil-fuel oil boilers in homes from 2026.

Instead, a heat pump will be adopted for households which are not on the gas grid, with more than 80 per cent expected to eventually install this technology.

Poor insulation was cited as the biggest barrier for heat pump installation in rural homes, followed by the age and condition of the property and radiators that need replacing.

When asked about an alternative solution, 72 per cent of technicians said they would prefer the government focused on renewable liquid fuels, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), for off-grid homes.

Full article:

The Argus - Concern for rural East Sussex as homes not ready for heat pumps