Households in every local authority area in Scotland will be offered free insulation measures under the Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS).

The Scottish Government is investing over £16 million to fund UHIS throughout 2012-13.

The scheme, administered by local authorities, offers a range of free home insulation measures including loft and cavity wall insulation. These measures can help improve energy efficiency, keep heating bills down and reduce fuel poverty.

Housing Minister Keith Brown said: "The Universal Home Insulation Scheme is a successful scheme which, over the years, has delivered real savings to people in their homes across Scotland. By offering free cavity wall and loft insulation, owners, private sector tenants and landlords can make sure their properties are saving energy and money by reducing the heat lost through draughts.

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"I am delighted that every local authority is supporting this scheme. The Scottish Government is investing over a quarter of a billion pounds over the next three years towards eliminating fuel poverty and UHIS is making a significant contribution to achieving that aim.

"UHIS also creates employment opportunities with contractors employing and contributing to local economies across Scotland to deliver the scheme."

The UHIS budget covers the period April 2012 – March 2013. Thereafter fuel poverty will fall within the new Green Deal and ECO schemes currently being developed by the UK Government.

Fuel poverty is defined as spending 10 per cent or more of household income on domestic fuel bills.

(GK)