Residents across Argyll and Bute are being encouraged to take part in a new energy efficiency scheme which offers a one-off Council Tax rebate to participants.

Argyll and Bute Council has teamed up with Scottish Gas to offer the £65 rebate per household, in return for carrying out one or more approved energy efficiency measures. Householders do not have to be Scottish Gas customers to benefit from the initiative.

The two measures eligible under the scheme are loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.

Councillor Robert Macintyre, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, urged people to make the most of what is on offer.

"We are committed to helping to improve the energy efficiency of all homes in the area, and we know that one of the easiest ways in which to make a substantial difference to both your home and, ultimately, your pocket is to ensure that your home is properly insulated," he said.

"According to the Energy Savings Trust, as much as 60p in every £1 spent on heating homes could literally be going through the roof or walls because of inadequate insulation.

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"We hope that people across Argyll and Bute will take this opportunity to consider the merits of spending potentially less than £300 now on something which, on average, is estimated will save between £150 and £250 a year as well as trigger a one-off £65 Council Tax rebate."

Under the programme, the Scottish Gas-subsidised price of loft insulation is £274, and of cavity wall insulation is £250 for a terraced or semi-detached house, and £275 for a detached house.

The Council Tax rebate is £65 irrespective of whether householders carry out one or both of these measures. If anyone is due to pay less than £65 Council Tax, then the rebate will be limited to the amount of tax they are due to pay.

People wishing to take the offer up or investigate it further are asked to contact Scottish Gas on 0845 605 2535 quoting reference ABCT. Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday-Fri day and 8am-1pm on Saturdays.

They will then be able to arrange for a free, no obligation home energy survey to be carried out at their home.

Should the work go ahead, Scottish Gas will advise the Council once it has been carried out, after which the authority will grant the council tax rebate. The rebates will be offered from April 1 2010.

Some people who are on certain qualifying benefits – including Housing Benefit, income Support, Council Tax Benefit and Child Tax Credit - will be entitled to free insulation under this scheme.

Anyone receiving free insulation will not receive a Council Tax rebate.

As there are other energy efficiency schemes around, the Council would encourage householders to call the independent Energy Savings Scotland Advice Centre on 0800 512082 should they wish to discuss whether this is the most suitable scheme for them. Lines are open from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

(GK/BMcC)