Boiler scrappage scheme launched

Last week the Government launched its Boiler Scrappage Scheme; a scheme initiated by the Reheat Britain campaign and championed by Teignbridge MP Richard Younger-Ross and Teignbridge District Council to reduce CO2, fight fuel poverty and boost jobs.

Households in England (including landlords of privately let accommodation) can apply for a £400 voucher to help with the cost of replacing a G-rated boiler or worse for a new A-rated boiler or renewable heating system that could give them a potential saving of between £200 - £235 per year off fuel bills.

To be eligible the boiler to be scrapped must be the main boiler used to heat the home. If the householder is under 60 years of age, the boiler to be scrapped must also be in working order. However householders aged 60 and over can apply regardless of whether the boiler is in working order.

Administrating the scheme on behalf of the Government is the Energy Saving Trust who provide 'one-stop-shop' advice on a low carbon lifestyle. Vouchers are now being issued to the first 125,000 eligible households that register via phone and their website and will be issued on a first come first served basis. Households are free to choose who they want to appoint to do the work, provided the work is undertaken by registered installers. Householders will pay for the new boiler and installation up front and then will claim the £400 back through the Trust with payment then being issued to the householder within 25 working days.

Anyone who has a G-rated boiler can contact the Energy Saving Trust's free helpline on 0800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for more information.

Said Mr Younger-Ross, "This is an excellent scheme and I encourage all those eligible to apply. By replacing 125,000 G-rated boilers, it will help save in the region of 140,000t CO2 per year which is the equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road.