Boiler grant scheme leaves elderly cold (From Bournemouth Echo)

Boiler grant scheme leaves elderly cold

2:00pm Saturday 3rd May 2008 in

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A COUNCILLOR has said a "scandalously badly-managed" government scheme is costing the elderly thousands of pounds.

Roger West is investigating the Warmfront scheme, which gives people grants towards new boilers.

He found Warmfront's contractors were quoting people up to £1,000 more than local firms.

The extra cost is either borne by the state or by residents who get the grant, who are mostly old and vulnerable.

Bournemouth resident David Jones, 72, whose wife Brenda, 72, is disabled, told the Daily Echo: "The Warmfront contractor said it would cost well over the government grant of £2,700.

"But I got a quote from a local Corgi registered firm and they said £1,800 for the lot."

Hazel Dinnage from Bournemouth was quoted £3,270 by Warmfront but only £2,395 by Bournemouth firm JSJ Gas Ltd.

James Forbes, a director JGS Gas, said: "The grants are supposed to save money and bring heat to people who can't afford it, but these higher prices seem to be working against it."

Phil Neale, a director of Dorset Energy Advice Centre, said: "The other day a lady phoned up who had been quoted £3,500 by Warmfront for three radiators. It's insane.

"This has been ongoing for a long time. It's frustrating when the grant is supposed to be helping the most vulnerable.

"It's happened in lots of houses. We'd like people to get in touch with us if they've had a similar problem.

"Maybe the grant works in the north where properties are smaller. I don't know.

"The contractors are just using Defra guidelines. I believe Defra either rushed the guidelines or they were given the wrong information."

Defra said the prices were the average of a regional competitive tendering process. A spokesman said: "Independent quality assessors said Warmfront offers value for money."

Environment minister Phil Woolas said: "We continually seek to provide the best service. It is concerning to hear of cases where a client is in any way dissatisfied."