Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

RENFREWSHIRE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD OVER GRANTS FOR NEW BOILERS

26 Jan 2010

SNP have failed to match Labour's promise

Renfrewshire residents are missing out on a scheme to claim £400 towards the cost of a new boiler this winter - because the SNP have failed to match Labour's promise of grants to replace worn-out models.

The Labour government, in England and Wales, has agreed to work with the plumbing industry to help refit boilers in 125,000 homes this winter - but the SNP have failed to commit to a similar programme in Scotland.

The scheme, called the Greener Boiler Incentive, which was announced in the Pre-Budget Report in November, will also benefit the many small plumbing businesses that depend on domestic work for their survival.

Douglas Alexander MP said:

“The SNP have decided to leave Renfrewshire residents out in the cold. Many local residents could benefit from this scheme and it is unacceptable that they have to miss out.
 
The Labour government nationally is prepared to help families though the winter by upgrading old, polluting boilers. The Scottish government needs to put aside political differences and work with the Labour Government and the Scottish plumbing industry to make this happen.

"Our homes account for almost a quarter of carbon emissions so tackling old, polluting boilers is a key issue for everyone.

"If the SNP had not rejected the scheme it could also have provided vital work for local plumbing firms."