Worcester disappointed with Budget

As the Budget announcement failed to extend the boiler scrappage scheme, Worcester, Bosch Group voices the frustrations felt by many in the heating industry.

It was hoped by many that the success of the scrappage scheme, which has seen more than 118,000 applications for funding received in less than three months, would be extended further.

Despite personal representations by senior figures at Worcester, the Chancellor failed to extend the scheme when he announced his Budget on Wednesday 24 March.

Neil Schofield, head of sustainable development at Worcester, commented: "The boiler scrappage scheme has been a remarkable success and all the indications were that the Government was looking to extend it further.

The profile of boilers and central heating was raised and people seriously started to look at the condition and age of their boiler rather than just waiting for the inevitable day when it would fail completely.

He continued: "However, the Chancellor's refusal to extend will probably mean that all the momentum and interest that has been gained from installers and homeowners in energy efficiency will be lost.

There are still more than 4.5 million Band G boilers in operation and we must now hope that the next Government, of whatever colour, listens to the heating industry, picks up the mantle and extends this brilliant scheme further".

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