BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME TO HELP 5,000 SCOTS HOUSEHOLDS CUT COSTS AND CARBON

BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME TO HELP 5,000 SCOTS HOUSEHOLDS CUT COSTS AND CARBON
Kenneth Gibson MSP has welcomed the announcement today by Scottish Government Housing Minister Alex Neil of the commencement of the boiler scrappage scheme for Scotland.

From Monday 24 May, households will be able to apply for a £400 voucher to replace inefficient boilers which convert less than 70% of energy into heat. Around 5,000 households are expected to be able to replace their old boilers with energy-saving models, reducing heating costs by around a quarter.

SNP MSP for Cunninghame North Mr Gibson said:
“This year’s Scottish Government budget made a commitment to introduce a boiler scrappage scheme for Scotland. That commitment is now being fulfilled with this £2 million investment to help households cut costs and carbon and reduce fuel poverty.

“Being stuck with an old, unreliable, inefficient boiler is a big expense for households, but so is upgrading to a new one. The cashback vouchers that people will be able to apply for through the boiler scrappage scheme will not only help to offset that expense, but will also lead to savings of around £190 a year on wasted fuel costs.

“The business that will be created for recession-hit heating and plumbing contractors will be an additional bonus.
“This is another major investment by the SNP government which will simultaneously help to support businesses, cut costs for hard-pressed households, create more energy-efficient homes, reduce carbon emissions and cut fuel poverty across Scotland.”

The boiler scrappage scheme advice network will issue vouchers from 24 May 2010, available either by calling 0800 512 012 or through the Energy Saving Trust website at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Scotland

The boiler scrappage scheme in Scotland provides the same level of support on the same criteria as that south of the border. The full £2 million consequentials from the English scheme are being used to fund the scheme in Scotland.

The announcement by Communities and Housing Minister Alex Neil can be read at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/04/20110057