SNP government delivers 39% increase from Lib/Lab Exec's final year in power

Glasgow SNP MSP Bill Kidd has warmly welcomed figures which show a record level of installations under the Government's Central Heating programme, and which has resulted in a 39% increase in the number of installations between 2006/07 and 2007/08.

In 2006/07 there were 10,238 installations compared to 14,205 in the last recorded year when the SNP Government came to office in May 2007.

In addition extra funding from the Scottish Government has helped to reduce the waiting list from 11,300 in November to 9,300 by the end of March.

Commenting on the figures Mr Kidd said: "Yet again we see the SNP Government is delivering for Scotland with record levels in central heating installations and a massive 39% increase in the number of installations across the country.

"This is excellent news for people in vulnerable households throughout Scotland. During the cold winter months it is especially important that older are able to heat their homes in a way that is efficient and affordable.

"These figures show a massive rise in the number of households who have benefited from the extra investment in the Central Heating Programme from the SNP Government. The additional funding has helped cut the waiting list substantially.

"Thanks to the SNP Government, the scheme is finally starting to deliver for older people and vulnerable households."

Note:

1. Today's figures show that 14,205 central heating systems were installed in 2007/08. Figures from Parliamentary Questions show that the figure for 2006/07 was 10,238. This is an increase of 3,967 – or 39% - from the previous Labour/LibDem Executive's final year in power.
   
   
2. The Scottish Government's Central Heating Programme provides central heating, insulation and advice. It is available to all households in the private sector who lack central heating and where the householder or partner is aged 60 or over.