Sylvia Heal, MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, has welcomed the Government's Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

The Energy Saving Trust is administrating the scheme on behalf of the Government. Local people with a G-rated boiler or worse are entitled to apply for a voucher through the Trust which will give them up to £400 off the price of a new boiler.  This could mean a potential saving for them of between £200 and £235 per year off fuel bills by upgrading to a modern "A rated" efficient boiler.

As you maybe aware the Government launched its Boiler Scrappage Scheme last week, and I wanted to give you details on how your constituents can apply for this as  the Energy Saving Trust is administrating the scheme on behalf of the Government. 

Sylvia Heal MP said: "The boiler scrappage scheme will hopefully provide crucial help to local people who need a new boiler. Not only are the initial benefits to having a new boiler but the increased energy efficiency can save money all year round.

"A G-rated boiler is one that is fifteen years or older, running at a 70% or less efficiency- this is often indicated by the pilot light continuously running.

"The voucher scheme is first come first serve so I would encourage anyone who is interested to contact the Energy Saving Trust."

Anyone who thinks they maybe eligible contact our free helpline on 0800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk where there is more information about the boiler scrappage scheme, as well as providing details on how to apply for the vouchers. 

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 Notes to Editors

• Vouchers will be issued from 18^th January to the first 125,000 eligible households that register via phone and our website, and will be issued on a first come first served basis. Householders will be free to choose who they want to appoint to do the work, provided the work is undertaken by registered installers. Householders will pay for the new boiler and installation up front and then will claim the £400 back through the Trust, with payment then being issued to the householder within 25 working days. The vouchers will be valid for 12 weeks, and if they are not used then they will be re-allocated.

• There are currently around three and a half million homes in England with the very least efficient type of boiler (G-rated or worse). By replacing 125,000 G rated boilers, it will help save in the region of 140,000t CO₂ per year which is the equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road.