The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a response to the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy's consultation focused on support for low carbon heating in the residential sector. This response is based on the CMA's comprehensive review of consumer protection within the UK green heating and insulation market.

In its response, the CMA expresses strong support for the UK governments to seize opportunities to bolster consumer protection, particularly through requirements linked to government funding initiatives. The CMA believes that these protections are essential for ensuring that consumers are adequately safeguarded in the transition to low carbon heating solutions.

Furthermore, the CMA highlights the importance of third-party certification schemes in delivering these protections. It advocates for a governmental role in establishing minimum standards and expectations for these schemes, as well as in monitoring their effectiveness. The CMA's response also outlines potential areas that such requirements could address, ensuring that consumer interests are prioritized in the implementation of low carbon heating support.