Local Lib Dems call for Scottish Boiler Scrappage Scheme

9.39.28pm GMT Mon 11th Jan 2010

Edinburgh South Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Fred Mackintosh and Edinburgh South MSP Mike Pringle have urged London and Scottish ministers to work together to ensure Edinburgh residents benefit from the 'Boiler Scrappage Scheme' like that announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in December.

Under current arrangements only households in England will receive grants of £400 to replace their G rated boilers. It is estimated that Scotland will receive £11 million over the next few years in extra funding as a result of the Labour Government's decision to introduce the Boiler Scrappage Scheme in England.

Organisations such as The Association for the Conservation of Energy, Reheat Britain and the Scottish Federation for Small Businesses are calling for Scottish Ministers to introduce a similar scheme.

Commenting, Fred Mackintosh said: "As we try use uses our limited natural gas more efficiently a boiler scrappage scheme could do a lot of good to cut heating bills, reduce carbon emissions and conserve fossil fuels. It really is a no brainer for the Scottish Government to introduce a scheme."

Edinburgh South Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle said, "I want to Ministers both sides of the border working together to make sure people in Edinburgh can benefit from this idea. I have written to the Minister for Housing and Communities - Alex Neil MSP - to urge the Scottish Government to get behind the scheme."

Mike Pringle MSP has also signed Sarah Boyack's motion in the Scottish Parliament.

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