This week’s budget will enable more Scottish householders to become energy efficient, according to Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities Nicola Sturgeon.

It is hoped that the £20m allocated to encourage energy efficiency throughout the country will, in the long run, help Scotland tackle fuel poverty.

The scheme will take the form of cash-back vouchers, which can be used by Scottish families to help pay for eco-friendly measures such as loft and cavity insulation in their homes.

According to the government, this is anticipated to help up to 35,000 households across Scotland reduce their energy bills.

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Nicola Sturgeon explained: "The green stimulus element of Mr Swinney's budget will give a much needed boost to Scotland's economy. But it will also be vital to helping households to pay their heating bills.

"Improving the energy efficiency of Scotland's housing stock is absolutely fundamental if we are to assist those households struggling to warm their homes, particularly over the winter months”, she said.

"Households taking advantage of voucher schemes can save hundreds of pounds every year on their heating bills by taking advantage of offers available to them. And this builds on the support we are extending to hard-pressed households through the Council Tax freeze, free prescriptions and tuition fees.

"Scotland is an energy rich nation and everyone should live in warm, affordable homes. If Scotland was granted the full powers of independence, we would take a firmer stance with energy companies - encouraging them to cut their prices to help boost household incomes."

(IT)