Overview
- The updated Environmental Improvement Plan tightens the PM2.5 goal to a 30% reduction by 2030 from 2018 levels, moving England closer to EU limits.
- A public consultation will consider ways to cut emissions from domestic burning, including stronger product standards and clearer labelling for stoves and fuels.
- Defra says it will not propose geographic bans or require owners to stop using stoves that meet current Smoke Control Area rules, with final policy details still to be consulted on.
- Domestic combustion produced about one‑fifth of UK PM2.5 emissions in 2023, and health campaigners welcomed the tighter target as a step toward cleaner air.
- The plan also directs £500m to landscape recovery and sets a target to create or restore 250,000 hectares of wildlife‑rich habitat by 2030, with delivery plans promised.