Elderly need support after heating installations

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 7th Apr 2008

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has today described the First Minister's response to his call for better support for elderly people who struggle to operate new central heating systems as disappointing.

Mr. Brown had sought assurances that older people were getting the best support possible to make greatest use of their central heating systems installed through the Scottish Government Central Heating Scheme.

During First Minister's Questions last month, Robert Brown asked Alex Salmond whether the Scottish Government would work with gas and electricity companies to ensure that elderly customers are shown how to set up and operate their central heating systems.

The First Minister has now responded. In a letter, he said: "A range of practical steps are taken…to make sure that those receiving a new heating system are given full support to use it properly…"

However, whilst the support given in the beginning when systems are installed is broadly satisfactory, Mr. Brown is still concerned that many elderly people are not always familiar with how to use their central heating systems, creating high bills, or in some cases the systems are just not used at all.

Mr. Brown said:

"The First Minister's response explained that pensioners are given a DVD or video showing them how to use their system and how to operate the timer, as well as information on the running costs.

"When the system is installed, the engineer will show how the system works and a booklet is handed out.

"While I am delighted that this information is already provided, it is my experience that some elderly householders can forget how to use the system, how to adjust it properly, or indeed how to turn it on or off.

"Sometimes, the worry about this can lead to elderly people turning their systems off altogether, negating the whole point of the scheme.

"Central Heating systems, particularly timers and temperature controls, can often be complicated and, whilst heating engineers do show people how to use the system at the time of installation, I am concerned that there is no back up or face to face contact for elderly people after the initial installation.

"I do think it is important that people are properly and regularly supported in making the best use of their systems. I think it would be sensible to have a periodic, perhaps annual, visit to check this out."