Boiler-maker calls for scrappage scheme extension (From Worcester News)

Boiler-maker calls for scrappage scheme extension

A UK boiler manufacturer is calling on the Government to extend its boiler scrappage scheme now the initial 125,000 vouchers have been allocated.

Worcester, Bosch Group has already started lobbying MPs and civil servants to extend the scheme, which has proved successful with installers and homeowners.

The company’s own predictions based on the take-up rate suggested that the scheme would run out in early April.

The news that all vouchers have been allocated, however, indicates how successful the scheme has been.

The Government’s scrappage scheme targets the UK’s 4.5 million Band G boilers, with the aim of reducing household energy bills and reducing the domestic heat element of the UK’s carbon footprint.

Neil Schofield, head of sustainable development at Worcester, said: “The scheme has been good for the installer, the householder and the entire domestic heating sector.

“I would urge the Chancellor to include an extension to the boiler scrappage scheme as part of his Budget calculations.”

He also welcomed the Government’s announcement of its Home Energy Management Scheme, which aims to provide a simple “pay-as-you-save” method of financing renewable technologies. He commented: “Pay-as-you-save enables householders to avoid the major hurdle to renewable technology installation, namely the upfront capital cost. The details of how this scheme will work, in particular the mechanism for the loan to stay with the house rather than the owner, remain opaque but we support this scheme in principle. Now we just need to get on with it.”