The Scottish Government has announced it is expanding the Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland (HEEPS) scheme.

The initiative lets homeowners on low incomes borrow up to £40,000 for energy efficiency improvements and essential repairs, including the installation of a new boiler, double glazing or repairs to reduce heat loss – which will be repaid when they sell their home or transfer ownership.

The scheme, which was launched in January 2017 in three local authority areas (Glasgow City, Argyll and Bute, and Perth and Kinross), is now being expanded to include Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, Stirling, Dundee and the Western Isles until March 2019.

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Overall, the move will let more homeowners be able to carry out energy efficiency work and improvements on their properties.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "Whether it's fitting insulation or fixing a leaking roof, the expansion of this scheme will allow more homeowners across Scotland to take action to keep their energy bills down.

"This is the latest in a package of measures to improve energy efficiency and tackle disrepair. We have recently consulted on a new fuel poverty strategy, including a new definition and target, that will inform a Fuel Poverty Bill to be laid before Parliament this summer."

Energy Saving Trust's Group Director of Operations, Mike Thornton, said: "We welcome the expansion of this innovative scheme into new areas of Scotland. The HEEPS Equity Loan could particularly benefit those on low incomes or facing large repair bills and Home Energy Scotland's expert advisors are on hand in all of these areas to talk you through the application process."

(LM)