Kent Home News: Plan to Scrap the Gas Standing Charge

Home improvement news for Kent homeowners from the first week of November 2026. The government has put new energy laws before Parliament, including a plan to scrap the gas standing charge, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme has been given more money to keep up with demand, and the Bank of England raised interest rates.

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A plan to scrap the gas standing charge

The Energy Independence Bill was introduced to Parliament on 4 November. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) says it will add amendments to the Bill to support plans to scrap the standing charge on household gas bills, the daily charge paid even when no gas is used. It estimates about 23 million households would be affected, and that around 60% of gas account holders would save an average of £45 a year. DESNZ did not give a date for the change.

The Bill also puts on a lasting legal footing the move of 75% of domestic Renewables Obligation costs from energy bills to public spending, which DESNZ says has already taken about £90 a year off average bills. It sets up a Warm Homes Agency to give one trusted source of advice and support on insulation and clean heating, and gives councils powers to fine landlords up to £30,000 for breaking energy efficiency rules, ahead of the requirement for rented homes to reach EPC C from 1 October 2030. DESNZ says upgraded rented homes should save about £210 a year. Another measure would let the government remove charges on electricity that households store and send back to the grid, which matters if you have a home battery.

Why it matters: low-use gas customers, such as a home that only cooks on gas or keeps a boiler for back-up next to a heat pump, gain most from losing a fixed daily charge. If you are weighing up a heat pump, it also makes keeping a gas connection cheaper. Our guide to heat pumps in Kent covers the running costs. Source: GOV.UK, 4 November 2026.

Installers will have to register heat pumps, solar and batteries

A DESNZ factsheet on the same Bill says installers of electric vehicle charge points, heat pumps, solar panels and home batteries will be legally required to register each installation with the local Distribution Network Operator. DESNZ says fewer than 40% of these installations are registered now, which leaves network companies planning with poor data.

Why it matters: in Kent the network operator is UK Power Networks. Registration should already be part of a good installer’s handover, and a clear duty makes it easier to check. Ask your installer to confirm in writing that they have notified the network operator, and keep the paperwork with your MCS certificate. Source: GOV.UK factsheet, 4 November 2026.

More money for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

DESNZ said on 5 November that it has given Ofgem permission to over-allocate Boiler Upgrade Scheme vouchers up to a total of £520 million in this financial year, because of a sustained increase in applications. The aim is to make sure vouchers stay available, so homeowners and installers can carry on with heat pump installs.

Why it matters: if you are part-way through getting heat pump quotes, the grant is not about to run dry this winter. Your installer applies for the voucher, so ask them to do it before work starts. Our Boiler Upgrade Scheme guide explains eligibility. Source: GOV.UK, 5 November 2026.

Bank Rate rises to 4%

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted 8 to 1 to raise Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4%, at the meeting ending on 4 November; one member wanted a rise to 4.25%. The minutes say benchmark two-year mortgage rates had risen by nearly 0.5 percentage points since the start of September.

Why it matters: a loft conversion, extension or new roof paid for with a remortgage or loan now costs more to finance. Lock in quotes and finance at the same time where you can. Source: Bank of England, 5 November 2026.

Howdens sales up 6.8% after buying DIY Kitchens

Howdens said on 5 November that group sales, which now include the online retailer DIY Kitchens it agreed to buy in June, rose 6.8% between 14 June and 31 October. On a pro-forma basis its UK sales rose 1.8% in that period. Howdens said its efficiency work is supporting competitive pricing across its kitchens and joinery and helping to offset rising costs.

Why it matters: Howdens sells to trades, and DIY Kitchens sells direct to the public, so the same group now competes on both routes to a new kitchen. Compare a fitter’s Howdens quote with buying direct and paying for fitting separately. Our new kitchen cost guide shows what each part of the job should cost. Source: kbbreview, 5 November 2026.

Kent Home News: Plan to Scrap the Gas Standing Charge

A plan to scrap the gas standing charge

Installers will have to register heat pumps, solar and batteries

More money for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme

Bank Rate rises to 4%

Howdens sales up 6.8% after buying DIY Kitchens

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