Elaine Murray MSP - LABOUR PUSHES SNP GOVERNMENT FOR BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME

LABOUR PUSHES SNP GOVERNMENT FOR BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME

19 January 2010 Immediate release LABOUR PUSHES SNP GOVERNMENT FOR BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME PETITION LAUNCHED TO LOBBY SNP FOR ACTION NOW Dumfries MSP Elaine Murray and Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown are continuing to mount pressure on the SNP Scottish Government to match Labour’s commitment in England and introduce a boiler scrappage scheme. From today (Monday 18 January) the first wave of grants for householders in England will be issued by the UK Government to help people pay for new energy efficient boilers. Elaine Murray MSP has set up an online petition (www.elainemurraymsp.com/cold) to demand action now from the SNP. Elaine Murray MSP said: “While the SNP Edinburgh Government are dragging their feet and standing in the way of helping Scots through the winter, people in England can get £400 for a new, more efficient boiler. “People in Carlisle can get £400 for a new boiler but as soon as you cross the border the cash stops. Dumfries and Galloway is missing out. “The SNP have the money to implement this immediately so there is no excuse to leave Dumfries and Galloway out in the cold. “Installing a new energy efficient boiler could help my constituents save as much as £235 a year as well as cutting their carbon footprint. It would help give a helping hand to local companies by giving them work selling and installing the boilers. “I want the SNP government to match Labour's commitment in England and immediately introduce this scheme so Dumfries and Galloway can benefit straight away. I’d encourage as many people as possible to sign my online petition to show the SNP that Dumfries and Galloway demands the same £400 grants available just across the border. If the SNP are serious about cutting fuel poverty, tackling climate change and helping the economy they must act now.” Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown added: “Many of my constituents in Dumfries and Galloway who are struggling to pay their fuel bills will be incredulous that those just across the border are getting £400 to replace their boiler. The SNP need to act quickly so that people in our region can get new, efficient boilers in place this winter. ENDS CONTACT - ANDREW MACKENZIE 07769206856 NOTES More information about Elaine’s petition can be found here: www.elainemurraymsp.com/cold