Some Form of Boiler Scrappage Possible for NI

Following a recent motion brought by the DUP, the Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie has indicated that she is unlikely to implement a Boiler Scrappage Scheme under the same terms to those operating in England, Wales and Scotland.  

The motion, put forward by Simon Hamilton MLA had called on Minister to examine the possibility of introducing a similar scheme in Northern Ireland.

The boiler scrappage scheme for England and Wales was announced in the Chancellor's pre-Budget report. According to the government, the scheme is helping households cut their energy bills, reducing CO2 emissions and supporting thousands of jobs. People who own their homes or landlords who rent homes are eligible, but social landlords, housing associations and boiler installers are not.

Whilst the Minister has stated that a scheme, operating along the same lines as the current one in GB is unlikely, she has not ruled out the possibility that some form of boiler scrappage will be available in Northern Ireland.  

"Although I support a local boiler scrappage scheme similar to the English model, my first concern, as Minister with responsibility for the fuel poverty strategy, is the alleviation of fuel poverty in vulnerable households. I accept that improving the energy efficiency of households that have old or inefficient boilers will contribute to the alleviation of fuel poverty. However, any such scheme that I introduce will target vulnerable households in which people live in fuel poverty; it will not focus solely on reducing carbon emissions, as is the case with the scheme in England." she said.  

The Minister was particularly concerned that the English scheme was offered on a first come, first served basis and that even those on the lowest incomes were being expected to contribute at least £1000 to the cost of installing a new boiler.

She added "The boiler replacement scheme that I will propose as part of the new fuel poverty strategy will not require households to make a financial contribution. I will take on board the comments made during the public consultation process in the spring."

Citizens Advice is looking forward to the opportunity to respond to that consultation document. Whilst CAB is keen to support any new measures aimed at alleviating fuel poverty it is important to ensure that funding is sufficiently targeted to ensure the maximum possible effect on Northern Ireland's fuel poor.