The continuing success of boiler scrappage schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland should be emanated by the rest of the UK believes Jerry Studden, Managing Director of Alpha Heating Innovation.
“Despite the resounding success of the UK-wide boiler scrappage scheme back in 2010 the Government has been unwilling to go down that route again. Almost 120,000 new high-efficiency boilers were installed under the scheme, but with an estimated 4 million inefficient boilers still working in UK homes there is a definite need for another scrappage drive.
“The Scottish Government has allocated an additional £500,000 to its scheme following the replacement of an additional 12,000 boilers in the last 12 months. It has more than proved its worth as a viable scheme to help homeowners cut fuel and to help reduce thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Alpha has been working closely with Government over its flagship Green Deal, but there is no doubt that we need an attractive and financially rewarding way to increase the rate of boiler replacements.
There is no definite plan within current Green Deal proposals that would mirror the success of the boiler scrappage schemes. This is a tried and tested method that can have an immediate and long-lasting impact on the crippling fuel bills we’ve all be subjected to and we would do well to take heed of our northern cousins’ success.”