Validation of fees charged in relation to certification of fuels and fireplaces
Published 4 November 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-independence-bill-factsheets/validation-of-fees-charged-in-relation-to-certification-of-fuels-and-fireplaces
Factsheet relating to the Energy Independence Bill.
Summary
This measure will retrospectively authorise all fees that were charged unlawfully before 1 April 2025 for the certification of fuels and fireplaces (and other solid fuel appliances) under the Clean Air Act 1993 and the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuel Standards) (England) Regulations 2020.
Why are we legislating?
This measure corrects a deficiency in the law related to historic charging for the certification of fuels and fireplaces (and other solid fuel appliances).
Standards apply for solid fuel appliances in Smoke Control Areas in the UK and solid fuels in England to reduce the harmful pollution from these sources. Certification ensures that these standards are being met. However, these certification services were charged for without the proper legal basis.
As all organisations received the services they paid for, the government is legislating to retrospectively address the legal deficiency. This measure is included in the Energy Independence Bill to ensure that the legal deficiency identified is remedied promptly.
What are the government’s objectives with this measure?
To correct the historic legal position.
How will this measure deliver the objectives?
This measure will retrospectively authorise historic fees that were charged unlawfully.