Gibson welcomes extension of boiler scrappage scheme

Constituency MSP Rob Gibson has welcomed the Scottish Government’s extension of a fund which helps householders meet the costs of a new boiler.

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neill has announced that an extra £1 million worth of funding is being made available to the Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

The scheme allows home owners and tenants to claim £400 towards the cost of replacing old, inefficient boilers with new, eco-friendly, energy saving models.

It has been estimated that around 250,000 homes in Scotland have an inefficient boiler which is why the government is pushing the scheme for another year.

Upgrading to a greener boiler helps reduce heating costs by about a quarter and save around £190 a year on fuel bills.

Mr Gibson said: "I welcome the extension of the scheme. It has proved popular in the past and I hope that people will continue to take full advantage."

"Not only will the scheme cut bills and energy use for households, it will also have the added benefit of creating work in the heating industry." "This is a first come first served basis to it is important that people contact it early if there is a chance to make use of it."

Households can apply over the phone 0800 512 012 or online through Home Energy Scotland, the Scottish Government’s one stop shop for home energy help. Visit www.homeenergyscotland.org.uk

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