BOILER SCHEME FINALLY ANNOUNCED

NATIONAL Assembly Member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, has welcomed this week's announcement on the introduction of a Welsh boiler scrappage scheme.

Earlier this year Nick spoke out after it emerged that the UK Government's much-publicised scheme would not benefit a single household in Wales.

Mr Ramsay wrote to the Minister who oversees energy policy in Wales, Jane Davidson AM, to express his concern after he was contacted by a number of constituents, from right across Monmouthshire, expressing their anger after discovering they would not be able to access the scheme.

Speaking today, Nick said: "After much lobbying, it is welcome news that the boiler scrappage scheme is to be introduced in Wales, albeit three months after households in England were able to benefit from a similar initiative.

"Since the beginning of this year, I have received numerous letters and phone calls from constituents who felt incredibly let down that this scheme did not apply to them.

"We have been in the grip of freezing temperatures, with many people feeling the pinch of rising fuel prices; this announcement will be of relief to some homeowners who qualify for the scheme.

"I am disappointed, however, that the eligibility criteria of the Welsh initiative will mean that fewer people will qualify than those across the border."