The action from APHC comes after it emerged that British Gas is providing its customers with the choice to opt-out of having the extra energy saving measures installed as stipulated under Boiler Plus.

John Thompson, chief executive of APHC, said: “This undermines the work being done to improve energy efficiency of heating systems in England and move the Government closer to meeting the lower emission targets in 2020.

“I believe the legislation was designed in a way which places the responsibility to meet the new requirements on installers and consumers, but having an opt-out clause allows for non-compliant work to be undertaken.

“I have written to DCLG seeking clarification over a Boiler Plus opt-out. I have also asked them to confirm what actions they are going to take to ensure there is full compliance with the regulations.”

APHC is set to publish DCLG’s reply in due course.