How did this campaign start?
The campaign was started by Mick Williams of Williams and Co, a plumbers' merchant with 14 branches in the South of England.
Mick says:
"As soon as the car scrappage scheme was announced I thought how much more successful a 'boiler scrappage' scheme would be.
"Then I saw that boiler manufacturers were also suggesting a scheme like this, and that's when I decided to stop talking and do something to make it happen."
"It is estimated that there are still 4.5 million old boilers in use that are rated at less than 70% efficient. I say 'rated' because they may actually be far less efficient, depending on their servicing history and condition.
"Replacing these old boilers with modern condensing gas boilers and controls could save millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide pouring into our atmosphere each year.
"The construction industry has also been particularly badly hit in this recession and there have been many, many redundancies in manufacturing, distribution, builders and installation companies.
"This is a double whammy for the government as every redundancy could mean less tax collected and more benefits to pay out.
"This scheme would stimulate demand for gas boilers and help manufacturers, plumbers merchants and Gas Safe heating engineers.
"Millions of these old boilers could be replaced by modern boilers which are more than 90% efficient and, with proper controls on the system, annual savings of more than £200 could be saved on the household gas bill (according to the Energy Saving Trust).
"I am the MD of a plumbers merchant and I have already got support for a Boiler Scrappage scheme from boiler manufacturers, who could help finance it, other plumbers merchants and the trade press.
"But we're not giant corporations or professional lobbyists, so we need the support of other campaigners, on issues like fuel poverty and climate change.
"And, most importantly, we need the support of you the public to really get the government to listen."
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NEW: Petition to the Northern Ireland Assembly
Click on the map to find out how to push for boiler scrappage in Northern Ireland - the only place in the UK set to miss out!
Read our latest FAQs here
Full details and how to apply at the Energy Saving Trust website.
Who's signed already?
Alan Ball, MD of PTS plumbing trade suppliers
"Not only could the boiler scrappage scheme result in financial benefits but it could also help with environmental targets."
Dave Hampton, the Carbon Coach
"Few people realise just how much fuel an old boiler can be wasting, day in day out. So they put off the day they 'Rip it out and start again.'
Sian Berry, 2008 Green Mayor of London candidate
"As soon as I saw this petition, I knew I had to sign it straight away. There's no downside to the boiler scrappage idea."
