£60m energy efficiency fund for Scottish homes

A fund to help make households more energy efficient has been allocated to local authorities.

The Scottish Government’s new Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland is providing £60 million for councils to target areas which have high levels of fuel poverty.

A total of £30 million has been allocated across the 32 local authorities, and councils can submit proposals for the additional £30 million.

Councils are expected to work with energy companies, installers, owner-occupiers and private landlords to ensure all households in areas of high fuel poverty receive an offer to have their home made more energy efficient, such as installing insulation and double glazing.

Housing and Minister Margaret Burgess said: “We are determined to help householders to keep their homes warm wherever we can. Basic energy efficiency measures can make a huge difference to Scottish families who are struggling to make ends meet, allowing them to heat their homes more cost effectively.

“Today’s funding will see thousands of homes across Scotland receive new measures like solid wall insulation and double glazing. It will help to drive down the number of people living in fuel poverty.

“Not only is this new investment very positive news for Scottish householders, it will also help to generate work and support jobs, providing a much-needed boost to our economy.

“To help tackle fuel poverty we are actively working with councils and energy companies to ensure that Scotland continues to get its fair share of funding for efficiency programmes like these.”