Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Decarbonisation Schemes: GP Access

Tuesday 10 February 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Primary care accounts for approximately 25% of NHS carbon emissions, with many GP practices in inefficient buildings facing high costs.
  • Only five GP practices accessed the boiler upgrade grant since May 2022, due to a lack of capital funding.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of the issue and expressed interest in exploring private finance and novel options for retrofitting.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
NHS Climate
Context

The question stems from concerns about primary care's significant carbon footprint, with GPs working in inefficient buildings. Research shows low uptake of the boiler upgrade grant scheme by GP practices.

Question

Primary care accounts for around 25% of the NHS's carbon emissions, many GPs are in ageing, energy-inefficient buildings with high costs. Only five GP practices accessed the boiler upgrade grant since May 2022; most can't access public sector schemes due to lack of capital funding. Will the Minister meet me and the Royal College of General Practitioners to discuss decarbonisation scheme access for GPs, and expand GB Energy's investment model?

Answer from Katie White

The hon. Member raised an important issue with figures on low uptake of the boiler upgrade grant by GPs. We have an ambitious plan, today's local power plan may meet some needs; I will review this further. Retrofitting costs can be high and complex, we explore private finance options and novel solutions like property-linked finance.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting request and expanding GB Energy's investment model to GPs

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Q2 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
NHS Climate
Context

The question relates to primary care's significant carbon emissions, with GPs facing barriers like ageing buildings. Only five GP practices accessed the boiler upgrade grant since May 2022.

Question

Primary care accounts for around 25% of NHS carbon emissions; many GPs in inefficient buildings face high costs. Only five GP practices accessed boiler upgrade grants since May 2022, due to lack of capital funding. Will the Minister meet me and Royal College of General Practitioners to discuss decarbonisation scheme access for GPs and expand GB Energy's investment model?

Answer from Katie White

I thank the hon. Member for raising this really important issue, agreeing on figures. We have an ambitious plan; today's local power plan may address some needs, I will review it further. Retrofitting can be costly and complex, exploring private finance and novel options like property-linked finance. Today's announcement helps.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting request and expanding GB Energy's investment model to GPs

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Q3 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
NHS Climate Energy
Context

The question is about the benefits of solar technology for NHS facilities, with examples given from Hitchin. The speaker mentions investments seen at Lister hospital and Bedford hospital.

Question

GB Energy invested in clean technology at Bedford Road health centre last week. Investments are seen at Lister and Bedford hospitals serving my constituency. Solar is good for the NHS and planet; how can we get solar on more public sector rooftops across the country? Examples in Hitchin show potential for further action.

Answer from Katie White

I applaud my hon. Friend's ambition and championing of low-carbon transition opportunities. Today's local power plan offers real opportunity, involves local communities, making best use of benefits from the transition. Look forward to working with him further.

Not addressed: Specifics on promoting solar installations across public sector rooftops

How: Changing Subject

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