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McCausland launches £2million pilot Boiler Replacement Scheme

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has launched a £2million pilot Boiler Replacement Scheme.
~ Monday, 27 June 2011

The pilot scheme is targeted at older people who do not qualify for other Government energy efficiency improvement schemes, making them vulnerable to fuel poverty.

The pilot scheme will seek applications for a Boiler Replacement Allowance from owner occupiers or private tenants who are aged 60 years or over and;

  • receive rates relief but not Housing Benefit; and,
  • have an inefficient boiler which is at least 15 years old.

The pilot scheme will allow 1,300 vulnerable households to receive up to £1,500 towards the replacement of their old inefficient boiler. This includes the upgrading of an existing oil or gas boiler, switching from oil to gas, or switching to a renewable heating system such as a wood pellet boiler.

Minister McCausland said: “This pilot scheme offers the opportunity for older people on low incomes who can’t get help through other Government schemes to have a warmer home. The introduction of the Allowance provides another vehicle for tackling fuel poverty as part of the Executive’s Fuel Poverty Strategy. I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for the Allowance to contact the Housing Executive for an application pack.”

The Boiler Replacement Allowance will be administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Application forms may obtained by calling 03448 920 900. Calls are charged at local rate.

Leaflets explaining the Allowance and inviting applications will be sent to homes of those likely to be eligible over the coming weeks. Full details of eligibility and application process are also available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/boiler-replacement-allowance

Notes to editors:

  1. A Boiler Scrappage Scheme was introduced in England in 2009. It offered £400 cash back, for up to 125,000 privately owned or privately rented households who upgraded their oil or gas boilers. This scheme operated on a “first come first served” basis and was primarily a carbon reduction initiative.
  2. The pilot Boiler Replacement Scheme will be available for the first 1,300 successful applicants and will provide up to £1,500 towards the cost of a new boiler.
  3. Householders who receive Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Lone Pensioner’s Allowance will not be eligible for this scheme.
  4. Other means tested schemes to tackle Fuel Poverty are available to vulnerable groups who are not eligible for Boiler Replacement, such as the Warm Homes Scheme.
  5. Anyone unsure of their entitlement to Rates Relief can contact Land and Property Services on Freephone 0800 5877 477.
  6. Application forms may also be requested in writing to Home Improvement Services at administering NIHE offices. These are;
    North East Area – Twickenham House, Mount Street, Ballymena, BT43 6PB
    Belfast Area – Laganview House, 95 Ann Street, Belfast, BT1 3HH
    South Area – 35-45 Boat Street, Newry, BT34 2DB
    South East Area – 4-6 Graham Gardens, Lisburn, BT28 1XE
    West Area- McAllister House, Woodside Avenue, Omagh
    North West Area – 3 Horace Street, Londonderry, BT48 6JS
  7. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9454. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.