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Campaign for boiler scrappage scheme gains support
24/09/09
Calls for the government to introduce a boiler scrappage scheme along similar lines to the initiative already in place for older cars have been backed by MPs and industry figures. The Reheat Britain campaign estimates there are around 4.5 million boilers in the UK that are less than 70 per cent efficient.
It says offering home owners a financial incentive to scrap these units and replace them with modern, efficient models would cut household fuel bills, save "thousands of tonnes" of carbon dioxide emissions each year and support jobs for plumbers, builders and suppliers during the recession.
The campaign's petition calling for the introduction of a scrappage scheme on the Number 10 website has so far attracted 1455 signatures.
Mick Williams, the organiser of the campaign said:
"As soon as the car scrappage scheme was announced I thought how much more successful a 'boiler scrappage' scheme would be.
"Then I saw that boiler manufacturers were also suggesting a scheme like this, and that's when I decided to stop talking and do something to make it happen."
Supporters of the scheme include Baxi Group UK and Ireland chief executive Mark Kelly, Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz and Sian Berry, who stood as the Green candidate in the 2008 London mayoral election.
Another supporter, Liberal Democrat shadow environment minister Martin Horwood, told Builders Merchants Journal: "As a green counter-recessionary measure, this is far more likely to save significant carbon emissions than a car scrappage scheme."
The Reheat Britain petition will remain open until July 21st 2010.
