A LEADING elderly rights campaigner in Dundee has praised the Scottish Executive for extending its central heating programme for pensioners.

However, local councillor Ian Borthwick also expressed disappointment at what he sees as a sting in the tail of new regulations governing the programme.

The Executive has confirmed that from Monday private householders aged between 60 and 79 will be eligible for the scheme if they receive the guaranteed element of pension credit.

Previously, only those over 80 qualified.

Since its introduction in 2001, 77,000 new heating systems have been installed, including 53,000 in private homes.

However, the new rules mean homeowners will be liable for any repairs to their central heating up to £400, where previously the threshold was just £200.

Mr Borthwick said many elderly people in Dundee benefited from the scheme and he would be worried about changes that might lead to people losing out.

He said, “The Executive- supported central heating programme has been extremely successful and I would compliment them on the way it has operated, generally speaking.

“It has been much appreciated by many struggling to keep their homes warm in winter.

“However, on a cautionary note, it would seem that the introduction of these lower thresholds could be a disincentive for people to make use of the scheme.”

He added, “If the Executive is committed to ending fuel poverty it must ensure there are no obstacles placed in the way of those who need help, and that as many people as possible qualify for support.”

The Scottish Executive believes the extension will allow more householders with partial or inefficient heating systems to qualify for replacements.

It claimed the new regulations are more cost-effective and encourage repairs rather than replacement.

Ministers have asked Scottish Gas, which manages the scheme, to give priority to the over-75s.

Deputy communities minister Des McNulty said, “Free central heating has made a huge difference to people’s lives since it was first introduced.

“The installation of efficient heating systems, often allied with improved insulation measures, helps reduce fuel bills and makes life more comfortable for vulnerable people.”

The changes also mean insulation worth up to £500 for many households with children with disabilities.