Plymouth residents are being urged to take advantage of a new scheme offering £400 towards the cost of a new boiler.

Under the Government’s boiler scrappage scheme 125,000 households are being offered grants to replace their old G rated boilers with new energy efficient boilers.

The switch could save an average of £235 on fuel bills and even more in the current freezing temperatures.

Councillor Michael Leaves, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "Grants are being given on a first come first served basis and we want to make sure that no-one in Plymouth misses out.

"So get on the phone now to see if you qualify. The more people in Plymouth who claim the grant, the more work we can give to local heating engineers and plumbing retailers. It's good for business, good for householders and good for the environment."

To find out if they qualify for the grant, residents should ring the local Plymouth-based Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512012.

Only homeowners and private tenants qualify. Before calling, make sure you have written down the boiler make and model, together with the model number if there is one, as no advice can be given without this information.

These details can normally be found in the boiler manual, on the boiler case or behind a cover or flap on the boiler.

G rated boilers are old, usually pre-1980, and are often floor standing. Anyone with Internet access can check the energy rating of their boiler by visiting the SEDBUK (Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK) website.

More information about the scrappage scheme and full details about how to claim the £400 voucher are available on the Energy Saving Trust website.

Help in keeping warm this winter is available in various forms - from winter fuel and cold weather payments to substantial subsidies for loft and cavity wall insulation. Call the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre for details.

Plymouth City Council, 12 January 2010