AM WELCOMES BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME

THIS WEEK'S launch of the Welsh Assembly Government's Boiler Scrappage Scheme has been welcomed by Monmouth Assembly Member Nick Ramsay who said he was delighted that households in Wales would now be able to benefit from the scheme, albeit three months after households in England.

Homeowners over the age of 60 are eligible to apply for a voucher of £500 to replace a working G-rated boiler with a new A-rated, or equivalent, boiler or a renewable heat microgeneration technology.

Earlier this year, Nick lobbied the Minister who oversees energy policy in Wales, Jane Davidson AM, after being inundated with complaints from constituents expressing anger that the UK government's much publicised scheme could not be accessed by households in Wales.

"I have received numerous letters and phone calls from constituents who felt incredibly let down that this scheme didn't apply to them so it is welcome news that the scheme has now been introduced in Wales. However, I am disappointed that the eligibility criteria of the Welsh initiative will mean that fewer people will qualify than those across the border," said Nick.

Demand for the scheme has been phenomenal, with 400 calls in the first hour alone. Anyone having problems in getting through on the designated 0800 316 2816 number is advised to keep on trying, or alternatively apply for a voucher online through the HEES website - www.heeswales.co.uk