The Welsh Boiler Scrappage scheme is too little, spread too thinly, and would be better targeted to help those living in fuel poverty, according to Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Sustainability, Mike German AM.
The Welsh Assembly Government has allocated £2.5million for the Wales boiler scrappage scheme which will be launched on April 1st and is expected to benefit up to 5,000 Welsh households. The scheme will be non-means tested, available to those over 60 with £500 to replace an inefficient (G rated) boiler.
“The Welsh boiler scrappage scheme aims to be an improvement on the English scheme, targeting only people over the age of 60” said Mr German. “In reality the £500 grant will not be a great help to those living in fuel poverty who cannot afford the up-front cost of installing a boiler, which could be as much as £2,500. It will be easier for the wealthier with savings to access the scheme than those who are poorer.
“The Welsh scheme awards too little money, and spreads it too thinly. It is expected to benefit around 5,000 households but many of these may not be living in fuel poverty, so it will do little to address the 320,000 households that are fuel poor in Wales.
“A boiler scrappage scheme is a welcome move as replacing inefficient boilers is good for the environment, helping to reduce carbon emissions and is better for the pocket, saving households money on their fuel bills. However, a means tested scheme with a higher grant to cover the cost of installation, combined with low or no interest loans would have been a better incentive to help those who are fuel poor to benefit from a better heating system for their home.”
