There may be a new mayor installed at City Hall, but the London Boiler Scrappage scheme is still in place and its success to date has led Plumb Center to renew the call for other local authorities to follow suit.
Just over four months into the scheme, more than a fifth of the maximum 6,500 vouchers have been issued; and with 4,000 applications in progress, that figure is rising by the day.
Similarly to the national boiler scrappage scheme in 2010, this pattern demonstrates the appetite that homeowners and landlords have to replace inefficient boilers when a suitable incentive is in place.
As the largest distributor of heating products in London, Plumb Center is well placed to assess the success of the initiative and is now encouraging other local authorities to follow suit.
Tim Pollard, head of sustainability, said: “The London Boiler Cashback Scheme has proven once again that when a tangible carrot is dangled, a significant proportion of homeowners will bite. I’m not surprised by the success of the scheme and I have no doubt that the target of 6,500 installations will soon be met – we hope that the new mayor continues the commitment through to completion. It has been carefully planned and well executed, taking learnings from previous schemes, which were hugely over-subscribed.”
Tim continued: “This scheme is also a welcome boost for the heating industry as many homeowners have stalled on plans to update their heating systems, due to a mild winter and continuing economic uncertainty. It has also demonstrated once again the importance of installers as a source of information for incentive-driven initiatives.”
The scheme gives up to 6,500 owner occupiers and accredited private landlords in the capital the opportunity to claim £400 cash back upon the replacement of a working but inefficient boiler (rated at 70% efficient or less) with a new ‘A-rated’ model, or a renewable/low carbon heating system.
To find out more, or to apply, visit: www.london.gov.uk/boilers