Brits could be slapped with £180 ‘boiler tax’ as ministers set to revive heat pump targets

PEOPLE could be hit with a £180 “boiler tax” as ministers prepare to revive strict heat pump targets.

The Energy Secretary Ed ­Miliband is set to press ahead with the scheme from April.

It would see manufacturers fined for missing heat pump sales quotas, costs it is feared they would then pass on to buyers by increasing the price of boilers.

An industry source said ministers had spoken to firms about bringing in the so-called Clean Heat Market Mechanism next year.

They told The Telegraph: “What hasn’t yet been finalised are the details around the size of the fine.”

Fearing a heat pump quota, manufacturers put boiler prices up by £120 in January — backtracking and issuing refunds when the then government delayed the policy.

Industry insiders say if Mr ­Miliband, as feared, introduces a tougher sales target this year, their cost could surge £180 by January.

Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho warned: “If Labour press ahead with this on top of cutting the Winter Fuel Payment, it will make an even greater mockery of their promises of bill savings for consumers.”

A spokesman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change said: “The energy shocks of recent years have shown the urgent need to upgrade British homes and secure our energy independence.

“Our Warm Homes Plan will set out a range of measures to support low carbon heating, including heat pumps.

"Our ambitious plans will protect bill-payers, reduce fuel poverty and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals.”