Scottish Boiler Scrappage Scheme Now Accepting Applications

Scotland’s latest boiler scrappage scheme is open to applications from owners and occupiers. Following an investment of £1 million by the Scottish Government, the Energy Saving Boiler Scrappage Scheme will provide eligible applicants with £400 towards the cost of replacing inefficient boilers with those that comply with the Energy Saving Trust Recommended (ESTR) standard.

As an extension to the previous scrappage scheme launched in May last year, the Scottish government’s most recent initiative to help improve energy efficiency in homes across Scotland is likely to prove every bit as successful as the last. According to official estimates, some 250,000 properties in Scotland comprise gas central heating boilers with an efficiency rating of less than 70 per cent – the least efficient standard on the scale. Whilst helping to improve the energy efficiency of up to 2,500 homes, Scotland’s latest boiler scrappage scheme should help to lower energy bills.

Robert Burgon, the director of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation, commented: “The Scottish Government’s decision to extend the boiler scrappage scheme will be a great opportunity for households to upgrade their inefficient heating systems which will be costing them many hundreds of pounds each year in wasted fuel costs.”

Mr Burgon added: “The recent poor weather has highlighted the importance properly maintained central heating plays in our lives and installing a new system will not only help the environment it will also help save money on heating bills. Like many other industries the plumbing and heating sector has been badly hit by the recession and the scheme will prove a boost to many SNIPEF member businesses.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish government is making £1 million of funding available to social landlords in the country. The money is intended to help pay for important energy efficiency upgrades, including loft and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and pipe lagging.

Alex Neil, the Housing and Communities Minister, explained: “This funding will help households in the private and social sectors to save energy, cut their fuel bills and importantly keep warm, even in the coldest weather. We know household budgets are under pressure so the more we can do to put money back into people’s pockets, the better.”