Scotland
UK
Ireland
London
The Scottish Government has extended a grant scheme to local authorities and housing associations to help more people make their homes more energy efficient.
The Green Homes Cashback scheme, which is managed by the Energy Saving Trust, was launched in November 2012 to give householders money back towards the cost of measures that would make their homes greener.
One year later, the Scottish Government has said its 32 local authorities, as well as 246 registered social landlords (RSLs) can also apply for a grant of up to £1m for homes under their care.
Their bid can also include improvements to private housing, but the money must go towards making energy saving upgrades such as installing insulation and new boilers.
Up to £1,200 is available per home, so local authorities and housing associations could help more than 800 of their tenants save money on their fuel bills this winter, while enhancing the value of their housing stock.
Improvements funded under the initiative include insulation, new boilers, glazing, fitting low-energy lighting and new heating controls.
The money is available on a first come, first served basis and all installations must be completed by 31 March 2014.
More information is available at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/socialhousing.
The scheme for householders is also still open and lets householders claim:
- Up to £500 for insulation measures including loft, cavity or solid wall
- Up to £400 to replace an old boiler
- Up to £300 for other measures (such as glazing, LED lighting and heating controls).
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "Fuel poverty is an absolute scandal in an energy rich country like Scotland. It is our belief that everyone in Scotland should live in a warm and safe home that doesn't cost the earth to heat.
"The extension of the Green Homes Cashback scheme will give local authorities and housing associations the means to help their tenants combat rising energy bills, which are a huge concern for this government.
"We want to do everything we can to help people cut the amount of money they spend on fuel this winter."
(JP/CD)
