Speaking at the launch of a new policy paper, Mr Foster called for an urgent shift away from the government’s “heat pump-only” strategy toward hybrid heating systems that combine gas boilers with smaller heat pumps.

The white paper, ‘Accelerating Decarbonisation of Britain’s Homes’, reveals that hybrid systems can cut carbon emissions by up to 70% immediately and offer lower running costs for homes rated EPC band D – F compared to both heat pump-only or gas-only systems.

Foster criticised policymakers for focusing on appliance types rather than outcomes:

“Current policy is about installing electric heating in every home, regardless of cost, disruption or consumer acceptability. That’s wrong. The goal should be cutting carbon and bills in the most cost-effective way – and hybrids deliver that.”

He highlighted key advantages of hybrids:

• Faster decarbonisation without costly home insulation upgrades.

• Lower infrastructure costs, reducing the need for additional wind turbines and pylons.

• Energy security, especially when combined with green gases like biomethane.