RURAL residents in England and Wales could lose out from a government scheme aimed at making energy saving improvements to their homes.

The Green Deal Home Improvement Scheme was announced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) last month.

Householders can claim money from the government on energy-saving improvements such as insulation, draught-proofing and double-glazing.

People who install energy efficient measures will be able to get up to £7600 back through the government fund.

But when it comes to heating, only natural gas boilers requiring replacement are included in the scheme – and many rural residents are on oil or LPG supplies.

LPG supplier Calor Gas said it was "disappointed to learn that once again those who live in rural areas have been overlooked by the government".

It meant residents with oil or LPG boilers – such as many off-grid rural householders – would be expected to spend up to £25000 to put in a completely different heating system.

A Calor spokesman said: 'The government has yet again chosen to punish people who live in the countryside.

"Rural residents have been overlooked by every scheme DECC has introduced to supposedly help people make their households more energy efficient.

"Off gas grid householders in the countryside are being denied the same opportunities available to urban dwellers.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey said: "The best way for households to take control of their energy bills is to use less energy.

"Faulty boilers, draughty windows and insufficient insulation all cause properties to leak hundreds of pounds every year.

"But advice and support through the Green Deal can help put a stop to this.

"By installing energy saving improvements, families across the country can enjoy the benefits of warmer, more energy efficient homes and lower bills."

Calor said rural residents in England and Wales had been dealt a further blow after the Scottish government confirmed that the same scheme north of the border would include LPG and oil boilers.

The Calor spokesman said: "Why is it left to the Scottish government to be the exemplar of how to treat urban and countryside dwellers with equanimity?'

Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing said rising energy prices were a major concern. Scotland was committed to making homes more energy efficient and reducing carbon, he added.

Scotland's Green Homes Cashback scheme allows householders and businesses in both urban and rural areas to claim up to £7,300 from 2 June.

"We have listened to the concerns and issues of householders in rural areas and off-gas grid in accessing funding for energy efficiency measures."

Mr Ewing said the Scottish government would continue to support householders with up to £500 towards a new "condensing boiler "which includes natural gas, oil and LPG.

Calor is a sponsor of Rural Services Network, and sponsors the Rural Services Network Vulnerability Service covering issues relating to rural fuel poverty, rural broadband and rural transport.