Campaign group says councils not enforcing wood smoke bans

According to a report released today by campaign group ‘Mums for Lungs’, just seven English councils have handed out fines for toxic wood smoke in the past six years.

According to their figures, only 19 penalties have been issued despite complaints exceeding 18,000 since 2015.

The group have addressed an open letter to health secretary Sajid Javid, requesting that wood stoves be entirely banned by 2027.

They argue that the stoves emit dangerously high levels of air pollution.

They highlight that even eco-friendly models still release 500 times more particulate matter compared to a regular boiler.
2.5 million homes use a stove or open fire across the UK.