7 January 2009
Immediate release

SNP LEAVE SCOTLAND OUT IN THE COLD ON GRANTS FOR NEW BOILERS

Up to 12,000 Scots 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 today announced details of an agreement with the plumbing industry south of the border to help refit 125,000 old G-rated boilers in England - but the SNP have failed to commit to a similar programme in Scotland.

The Boiler Scrappage Scheme will benefit homeowners, the environment and many of the small plumbing businesses which depend on domestic work for their survival.

Elaine Murray MSP said: “While Labour in England is doing whatever they can to help families get through the winter by upgrading old, polluting boilers, the SNP Government in Scotland are refusing to do the same.

“This is a prime example of when the SNP’s petty party politics gets in the way of acting in the best interest of Scots. They should put aside political differences and work with the UK Labour Government as well as the Scottish plumbing industry to make this happen.

Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown added: “The UK Labour Governemt is giving grants of £400 to householders down south to help them replace their ageing boilers with new, more efficient systems. This will reduce peoples' energy bills and help protect the environment. Our homes account for almost a third of carbon emissions so tackling old, polluting boilers is a key issue for everyone. The Scottish Government should match this committment so Scots don't miss out."

ENDS

CONTACT – ANDREW  MACKENZIE 07769206856

NOTES TO EDITORS

The scheme is being announced today by the Prime Minister and Ed Miliband. See here: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page21977

The scheme will:

• help sustain work for the 130,000 installers and over 25 UK-based boiler manufacturers

• save money – a household's energy bill could be cut by between £200 and £235 a year.

• save carbon - replacing 125,000 G rated boilers should save in the region of 140,000 tonnes of CO2 per year - equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road.

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