Why the introduction of Boiler Grants?
Ofgem have reported that the UK’s continued reliance on imported gas for the foreseeable future will mean that gas bills will continue to rise; resulting in homeowners seeing even more price hikes to their gas and electricity bills.
To combat this, and to support people living in fuel poverty; whereby they are spending more than 10% of their income on heating costs, the Government introduced the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) in January 2013, to help them reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions and to increase energy efficiency.
One such measure has been the introduction of boiler grants, which enable both tenants and landlords to replace their boilers for a newer, more energy efficient Grade ‘A’ condensing boiler.
Boiler Grants Qualification
In order to qualify for boiler grants, the boiler needs to be at least ten years old and the homeowner or
tenant (NOT in social housing) must be in receipt of either of the following benefits:
- Working tax credit with an income of £15,680 or less. Or: Parental responsibility for a child under 16 or under 20 if in full time education. Or: In receipt of severe disability element or disabled worker element. Or: Aged 60 years or over.
- State pension credit
- Child tax credit with an income of £15,680 or less
- Income related employment and support allowance / Income based job seekers allowance / Income support
PLUS ONE of the following:
- A higher, enhanced or pension premium
- An enhanced, severe or disability premium
- A child tax credit that includes a disabled child premium, a disability or severe disability element
- Parental responsibility for a child under 16 or under 20 if in full time education
- A work related activity or support component (this is only applicable with Income related employment and support allowance)
The applications process is pretty straightforward; tenants or homeowners who qualify can simply submit their details online at www.boilergrants.co.uk, where they will be contacted a day or two later. A qualified Home Energy Assessor will survey their home, which includes an assessment of their aging boiler, and arrange a suitable date for a new SEDBUK A Rated boiler to be installed. The process is not too long, since the new boiler is usually installed within three or four weeks of the application.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a boiler accounts for around 55% of what you spend annually on your energy bills, and by installing a new high efficiency A Rated one, a typical household could save up to £310 a year on heating costs. It will also significantly reduce carbon emissions; making your home more environmentally friendly. Therefore the Boiler Grant scheme will undoubtedly help those worried about turning on their heating because they cannot afford to.
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Boiler Grants Application Process
For those who do not qualify for a boiler grant, an alternative is available. They may be eligible for other home energy improvement measures like The Green Deal Finance Scheme whereby a loan can be secured to carry out a new boiler replacement without any upfront cost.
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