£60m fund aims to lower energy bills

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

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

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

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 minister Margaret Burgess said: “We are determined to help householders to keep their homes warm. 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 help 
to drive down the number of people living in fuel poverty.”