Smoke Control Order 2025

Results updated 30 Sep 2025

The responses to the consultation have been given due consideration. There was little opposition to the application of the Smoke Control Order to fixed dwellings and industrial buildings. However it is clear that a majority of respondents did not support the inclusion of moored vessels in the Smoke Control Order. The reasons given included a reliance on solid fuel stoves for heating and cooking, the economic impact of compliance, the lack of alternatives, culture and heritage, and discrimination and rights. Having noted these concerns we have decided to proceed to make the Smoke Control Order so that it comes into effect as of 23^rd March 2026. In doing so we would like to make it clear that while the Smoke Control Order imposes restriction of the type of fuels that can be used it does not propose an outright ban on the use of solid fuel stoves anywhere in Birmingham. To mitigate the effect on the boating community the following are proposed.

• To engage further with those affected and to provide education on the Smoke Control Order
• To defer any enforcement of the Smoke Control Order rules against the occupiers of narrowboats until such time as a Moored Vessels Enforcement Policy is in place. This will be developed in conjunction with the affected parties and representative bodies to ensure the Policy which is implemented is proportionate and equitable.

We consider the implementation of the Smoke Control Order to be beneficial to the wellbeing of Birmingham citizens. The burning of inappropriate solid fuel for the appliance in question will result in the release of various air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, all of which carry health risks, including to stove users themselves. This is a major rationale for smoke control areas. Whilst the contribution of nitrogen dioxide and particulate emissions arising from solid fuel burning on narrowboats and other moored vessels is unlikely to be significant to overall pollution levels it will nevertheless be contributory.  It is important to ensure all appropriate action is taken to regulate pollutant emissions so as to achieve the Council’s ambition of improving air quality across all neighbourhoods to benefit public health.

Files:

• Appendix 2 - SCO Consultation Responses Evaluation.docx, 191.9 KB (Office Word 2007 XML document)