Over 60s in Wales are set to benefit from a new Welsh boiler scrappage scheme that will come into force on 1 April, Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister Jane Davidson has announced.

The new scheme will be targeted specifically at the over 60s who are likely to be more vulnerable to fuel poverty.

In her statement to Assembly Members, the Minister said: "We have allocated £2.5 million to the boiler scrappage scheme for 2010/11 and expect up to 5,000 Welsh households to benefit from a significant improvement in the energy performance of their heating systems as a result.

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"We are also investing an additional £1.4 million to tackle fuel poverty through our Home Energy Efficiency Scheme during the next financial year. To date the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme has assisted over 100,000 households across Wales with heating and insulation measures as a result of a £100 million investment in the programme."

Replacing a G-rated boiler with an A-rated boiler could save households up to £235 per year in energy costs, as well as significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

(CD/BMcc)