Warm Front heating scheme 'needs more funds'

More funding should be made available for Warm Front, the government's scheme to help vulnerable people with their heating, according to Paddy Tipping MP.

Mr Tipping, who sits on the commons Energy and Climate Change Committee, told the BBC that the scheme needs to provide a better aftercare service.

During the recent cold weather, some people endured prolonged periods without heating or hot water.

Mr Tipping says the way the funding is allocated needs to be examined.

"I think one of the things that we need to do is look at the balance of funding between insulation, the initial work and the aftercare," he says.

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Call for motorbike scrappage scheme

The motorcycle industry is to press the Government for a bike-scrappage scheme following a dip in sales in 2009.

The "cash for bangers" car-scrappage scheme has had a very positive effect on car sales since it was introduced in May last year.

Now the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) wants something similar to boost bike purchases.

Toyota Introduces "Swappage"

As the UK scrappage scheme draws to a close, Toyota has come up with a scheme of its own, which it is calling "swappage". Under swappage, any car registered between 1 March 2000 and 28 February 2003 can be traded in (by someone who has owned it for at least 12 months) for a new Yaris, Auris or Avensis, as long as it is still registered with the DVLA, is insured and has a current MOT certificate.
Customers taking advantage of swappage get £2000 off the list price of a Yaris or Auris, £2500 off an Avensis T2 and £2750 off an Avensis TR or T4. And, unlike scrappage, the swappage scheme does not necessarily mean that the traded-in vehicle will be carted off to the slaughterhouse for recycling unless it really needs to be, so you can take a classic to your local Toyota dealer with a clear conscience.
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'Save money' when buying new boiler

Many homeowners may be welcoming the announcement by the government of its new boiler scrappage scheme which sees properties with a G-rated boiler powering their central heating systems eligible for £400 towards the cost of an upgrade.

However, even people who do not qualify for the scheme can save money when they choose a new boiler, the Daily Mail has claimed.

It cites the Energy Saving Trust, which notes Britons could see their new boiler pay for itself as a condensing boiler and heating controls can reduce annual energy bills by over £200.

"Get at least three quotes and buy the boiler direct when you can, which can save thousands of pounds in some cases," the news source advises.

It adds a combi condensing boiler may be a good option for smaller properties as it provides instant hot water and can be a space-saver, while heating controls installed on the boiler and radiators can see people saving even more money.

Furthermore, such thermostatic controls can reduce heating bills by some 17 per cent.

When having a new boiler fitted, Britons should ensure the boiler engineer they contact is a member of the Gas Safe Register.

Written by Jasper Cullen

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