SNP leave East Renfrewshire out in the cold on grants for new boilers

Hundreds of East Renfrewshire residents will miss out on a scheme to claim £400 towards the cost of new boiler this winter - because the SNP have failed to match Labour's promise of grants to replace worn-out models.

The Labour government has agreed to work with the plumbing industry in England and Wales to help refit boilers in 125,000 homes early in the new year - but the SNP have failed to commit to a similar programme in Scotland.

The scheme, called the Greener Boiler Incentive, was announced in the Pre-Budget Report early this month and will also benefit may of the small plumbing businesses which depend on domestic work for their survival. 

Jim and colleague Ken Macintosh MSP visited local resident Mr Ivan Stewart. Mr Stewart is in his 80s and has had boiler problems over the last few weeks with a 60% efficient boiler. Under the previous Scottish Executive scheme Mr Stewart could have been eligible for a new boiler.

Jim said:

"There is no reason why the SNP should exclude East Renfrewshire residents from this important scheme. Mr Stewart and many other local residents could benefit from this scheme and it is unacceptable that they have to miss out.

"Labour is prepared to help families though the winter by upgrading old, polluting boilers.

"The SNP needs to put aside political differences and work with the Labour Government and the Scottish plumbing industry to make this happen.

"Our homes account for almost a quarter of carbon emissions so tackling old, polluting boilers is a key issue for everyone.

"I have been contacted by representatives the plumbing industry in Scotland, many of whom are furious that the SNP are not taking the action they should."



A Local Resident said:

“This is a disgrace, I have needed my boiler replaced and £400 would make all the difference. Its unfair that the SNP are not following the lead of the UK Labour Government and instead leaving many people to suffer through one of the coldest winters in recent history.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Written Scottish Parliamentary Questions submitted by Ken Macintosh MSP

When it will introduce a Boiler Scrappage Scheme similar to that on offer to households in England?
Whether it recognises the economic and environmental benefits of introducing a Boiler Scrappage scheme as available in England?

The Chancellor, in the recent Pre-Budget Report, announced that a £400 incentive was to be offered to householders who wished to upgrade their central heating boiler. This was viewed as a welcome boost to the sector, which relies heavily on domestic work to stay afloat.

The Scottish Government has advised the Scottish plumbing industry that the scheme will not operate here.

Pre-Budget Report: Paragraph 7.36: "Installing an efficient heating system can be another cost-effective way to cut household energy bills and carbon emissions, as domestic heating accounts for 13 per cent of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing an older boiler with the latest efficient models can reduce a household’s energy bill by around £230 a year. The Pre-Budget Report announces a £400 incentive to help up to 125,000 households upgrade their boiler, available to those who buy a new boiler or renewable heat unit to replace a working G-rated boiler. The Government will work with industry to launch the scheme at the earliest opportunity in 2010."

http://hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/pbr09_chapter7.pdf