Sandra Osborne

Labour Party | Ayr, Carrick & Cumnock

Boiler scrappage scheme – But not here!

February 1 2009

Hundreds of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock 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 last month and will also benefit may of the small plumbing businesses which depend on domestic work for their survival.

Sandra is angry that local residents experiencing boiler problems often only working with 50% or 60% efficiency will miss out on help.

Sandra said:

"There is no reason why the SNP should exclude Ayrshire residents from this important scheme. Many local residents could benefit from this scheme and it is unacceptable that they have to miss out. You will be able to get help in Coventry but not in Cumnock, in Gateshead but not in Girvan.

"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.