The Government’s boiler scrappage scheme has proved to be a popular measure, with all of the vouchers available to English households having been claimed by 26 March.

The key aim of the scrappage scheme was to kick-start the industry and to help householders to reduce CO2 emissions.

The scheme was announced in the 2009 Pre-Budget Report, and offered households with a G-rated boiler a £400 voucher to help with the cost of installing an energy-efficient model.

Under the rules of the scheme, eligible householders sent details of their chosen installer, together with quotes for the work, to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

As long as the work was completed within 12 weeks of the voucher being sent out, the householder could expect to receive a rebate from the EST. However, a significant proportion of householders are yet to receive their rebate.

The scheme is now closed to households in England. Wales currently has a separate scheme in operation, which offers £500 of assistance to those aged 60 and over, and Scotland launches its own scheme on 24 May.