Plumbing Association voices frustration with delay in phasing out gas boilers

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF), has expressed discontent with the Scottish Government’s tardy attempt at phasing out gas boilers.”SNIPEF has consistently questioned the government’s unrealistic targets for phasing out fossil fuel boilers,” Fiona states. “This delay, although not entirely unexpected after various U-turns at Westminster, significantly undermines the efforts and investments made by our profession to meet these targets and will undoubtedly foster uncertainty in the public’s mind.

“While some plumbing and heating companies refrained from investing in new skills and technologies, anticipating a revision of the targets, others, who heavily committed to the transition, are now facing the challenge of managing potential revenue losses.”

Looking to the future, Fiona called for greater collaboration, understanding, and agreement between the government and industry experts. “In setting future targets, the insights and expertise of industry professionals must be actively integrated into the planning process. Balancing political aspirations with realism is crucial to ensure alignment between the relevant professions and the public with Holyrood’s aspirations,” she advises.

Fiona emphasises the need for more substantial support in upskilling within the plumbing and heating profession, contrasting with better-financed initiatives in England. “This period of grace should be used to properly invest in upskilling the workforce, allocating specific funds for developing low-carbon skills essential for the transition to low-carbon heating systems.”

Despite revising the targets, Fiona reaffirmed SNIPEF’s commitment to sustainable practices. “We remain dedicated to championing low carbon heating solutions and advocating for the necessary support to ensure a seamless transition,” she concludes.