People who are living in Glasgow who join the scheme to get insulation fitted in their property will be in line for a council tax rebate from 1 April, 2011.

Glasgow City Council has teamed up with Energy Savings Scotland Advice Centre (ESSAC) to offer either a £65 or £90 council tax rebate when households carry out one or both of the eligible energy efficiency measures. The two measures available under the scheme are loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.

Bailie Elizabeth Cameron, Executive Member for Development and Regeneration at Glasgow City Council, said: "We're determined to make Glasgow one of the most sustainable cities in Europe.

"This scheme should encourage people to play their own part in that by improving energy efficiency in their homes."

According to the Energy Saving Trust, as much as 60p in every £1 spent on heating homes can be lost through the roof or walls because of inadequate insulation.

The cost of cavity wall insulation, before the rebate, will be £164 and loft insulation either £164 or £244 depending on the thickness of the materials used and the type of wall construction.

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But it is estimated that a householder could save an estimated £150 to £250 a year on their heating bills, in addition to the £65/£90 discount.

Two years ago, minister decided Scottish local authorities had to offer rebates to people who make energy efficiency improvements. It was left to individual council to decide how the scheme would work in their area.

In February, the tax rebate scheme was given the go head by Glasgow City Council’s Executive Committee.

A number of companies tendered to carry out the work and UK-wide firm the Mark Group was found to offer the best price and highest standards of service

Anyone interested in this programme, can get information from the independent Energy Saving Scotland on 0800 512012 and they will be told if they are eligible for free or lower cost insultation.

The scheme will also assist with Glasgow’s objective to become one of the most sustainable cities in Europe within the next 10 years through the Sustainable Glasgow initiative.

Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre’s number is 0800 512012. Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday-Fri day and 8am-1pm on Saturdays. The rebates will be offered from the beginning of April 2011. When calling, please have your council tax reference number at hand, this is on your council tax bill.

The ESSAC will then refer householders on to the contractor, who will then contact the householder to arrange a free survey.

Should the householder choose to engage the contractor to carry out the work in their home, the contractor will on completion and payment of the works pass the householders details on to the council which will credit the appropriate discount to the householders council tax account. Thereafter an amended council tax bill will be issued. Householders should continue to make agreed payments to their council tax account until such time as they receive their amended bill.

Some residents 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 be eligible for a Council Tax rebate.

(GK)