Burnham: Boiler scrappage scheme is "totally inadequate"

8.11.00am GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Eleanor Burnham, Assembly Member for North Wales has criticised the Welsh Assembly Government's announcement of a boiler scrappage scheme as "totally inadequate".

Commenting, Eleanor, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Communities, said, "This was an opportunity to lift a lot of people out of fuel poverty.

"Instead, the Government is expecting people who are already struggling to pay their fuel bills to pay out a massive sum of money with the expectation of a relatively small saving of £235 a year.

"£500 towards something which to buy and install can cost somewhere in the region of £2500 is a drop in the ocean. Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales made their feelings on boiler scrappage known before this announcement and it's very disappointing that the Government still chose to go down this route rather than address the wider issues of fuel poverty.

"This narrow scheme means that people with inefficient 'G' rated boilers who are wealthier will be able to take advantage of the scrappage offer whilst the vast majority of the 320,000 fuel-poor households in Wales will still be struggling with their fuel bills this winter and for many winters to come".