MSP hits out at government over boiler scrappage scheme delay

Mar 16 2010 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

A CAMPAIGNING MSP has hit out at the Scottish Government for a delay in bringing in the boiler scrappage scheme.

The popular scheme, where consumers are given £400 towards a new energy-efficient boiler in exchange for their old G-rated one, was introduced in England last year.

All the major energy companies which sell and install boilers – Scottish Gas, E.On, npower and Scottish & Southern – have now matched the offer, giving householders potentially £800 off the cost of a new efficient boiler.

It is estimated householders can save as much as £200 a year on heating bills.

Paisley South MSP Hugh Henry said: “The scheme was introduced in England in January, and the SNP government were given additional funds to operate it here.

“They refused to commit to the scheme until a huge internet campaign led by Labour forced them to change their mind and agree to it at the time of the Scottish budget.

“There was simply no reason to delay the scheme in Scotland and the SNP made a very bad mistake in doing so and people in Renfrewshire are losing out.”

Finance secretary John Swinney announced the government would be introducing the scheme when he presented his revised budget to Parliament.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said the claims were innacurate.

She added: “The reality is that thousands of households across Scotland are benefiting from the Scottish Government’s help in replacing inefficient heating systems.

“Our Energy Assistance Package is already helping thousands of Scots to heat their homes more efficiently and affordably.

“Backed by £60million in 2009/10 and recommended by the independent Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum, 33,700 households have taken up help under Energy Assistance Package since April 2009.

“We are also supporting the replacement of G-rated boilers with an energy efficient model through our Energy Saving Scotland Home Loans pathfinder scheme. This scheme offers interest-free loans of up to £10,000 for a range of energy saving measures.”