It's amazing. Until today I had thought the Government Warm Front scheme was a great thing, and have advocated it on many occasions.
But until I watched the BBC Breakfast News today I was totally unaware that they had been deemed 'unfit for purpose' a heck of a long time ago, as result of many complaints (still ongoing) and it seems that zippy has really been done since.
Why, of why, when on the rare occasion the market rate talents put together a half way decent initiative, the hordes of penpushers that swarm in behind promptly gobble up most of the money on admin. yet still produce an entity that is 'unacceptable'.
I am sorry. This is why I crank eyebrows at much that is bandied in the loose name of 'climate change', especially when it seems to involve siphoning off vast amounts MORE money from folk to redistribute, when patently this shambles have no idea, not competence... and no accountability.
Yet, until today, even with my perhaps deeper interest in such topics than many, thanks to a culture of spin over substance, and comms over delivery, I was unaware of its failings.
I still think it worthy, and necessary, but only if done well, and honestly, and in a timely manner.
It is to be hoped this farce is not repeated with the boiler scrappage scheme, where already what is great theory is showing signs of abuse (not got to the delivery from authority side yet) such that those likely not best positioned to challenge claims are being advised to 'check around'.
Addendum:
Just saw the latest GOAT minister being interviewed on this. Explains, if not excuses, much.
The mendacious or the mediocre really are the new breed.
2 comments:
The boiler scrappage scheme does not seem to have got off to a very good start yet - lots of delays as the Energy Savings Trust appears to have been rather overloaded by the number of applicants.
See http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/jan/29/boiler-scrappage-scheme-delays
Reading the comments from those who have evidently applied, and look like benefiting, it may be fair to give it some time.
I guess some teething problems are to be expected, but it hardly takes a brain surgeon to predict that if you offer such a deal it will be well subscribed quickly.
I just hope most money goes into getting a better box on deserving folks' walls and not poured down some box-ticking hole.
One issue already is unscrupulous... and major... outfits rigging the rates so there is no real financial advantage to anyone but them and their contractors.
I'm dreading our next bill. And our boiler is something like 85% so not eligible.
The thought of 95%+ is tempting, but the numbers just need to work.
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