Government boiler scrappage scheme axed

A Government scheme that offered subsidised boiler replacement has been discontinued after only 12 weeks. The scheme allowed people to claim £400 off the cost of installation of a new, modern “A-rated” boiler or a renewable heating system like a biomass boiler or a heat pump.

Funds for the scheme ran out on the 26 March and there are no firm plans to renew it. The scheme was given £50 million to fund new heating systems to cut carbon, save money on fuel bills and sustain work for the heating industry and as of 16 March, 35,390 boilers had been installed.

The scheme made provision for only 125,000 new boilers when the UK has over 4 million inefficient G-rated boilers. It was the only private home energy grant open to all homes in the UK without requiring specific criteria such as means testing or planning permission.