Ex-minister Labour minister Sarah Boyack calls for SNP to launch boiler scrappage plan

LABOUR'S former environment minister, Sarah Boyack, has launched an online petition for a boiler scrappage scheme.

The Edinburgh Central MSP said it would benefit 12,000 homes in Scotland and boost the country's plumbing industry.

She said householders in England and Wales could get 400 towards the cost of a new energy-efficient boiler, and accused the SNP government of stalling on rolling out the scheme here.

Ms Boyack said: "A new boiler would reduce people's bills by as much as 235 a year and help those eligible to cut their carbon footprint. But the benefits don't stop there, as the scheme would also secure vital jobs in plumbing for companies that make, sell and install boilers."