The prime minister’s speech, initially scheduled for Friday but moved up to Wednesday, confirmed the expected changes to the UK’s net-zero plan, sparking criticism from lobby groups and vested interests. Rishi Sunak’s revisions aim to reduce financial burdens on voters. Notably, the ban on new petrol and diesel cars was delayed until 2035, along with postponing restrictions on oil, LPG boilers, and coal heating. Policies forcing landlords to upgrade property energy efficiency were scrapped. The boiler upgrade grant was increased to £7,500, aiding the shift to low-carbon alternatives. However, industry reactions are mixed, with concerns about policy consistency, investment, and the impact on achieving net-zero emissions.
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