Climate Change Committee members have welcomed confirmation that The Highland Council has secured external funding in the region of £5.4 million for 2026/27.

The grant will back retrofit and decarbonisation programmes for eligible owner-occupier, private rented and Council-owned homes across the Highlands. The announcement comes alongside reports to Members highlighting the strong impact of the Council's retrofit and energy efficiency programmes across both Council and privately owned housing.

Climate Change Committee Chair, Cllr Kate Willis, said: "Securing £5.4 million of external funding for 2026/27 is a hugely positive result for the Highlands and reflects the Council's strong track record in attracting investment to tackle fuel poverty, improve housing quality and reduce carbon emissions.

"These programmes are making a real difference to residents by helping create warmer, healthier homes, reducing energy costs and supporting our journey towards net zero. At a time when many households continue to face financial pressures, this investment will provide important support to communities across the Highlands.

-- Advertisement --

"While significant progress has been made, we remain committed to securing further funding to improve the energy efficiency of Highland homes, supporting the alleviation of fuel poverty and improving health and wellbeing."

Since 2023, the Council and its delivery contractor have secured more than £28 million in external funding, supporting energy efficiency upgrades in over 1,500 homes. Benefiting both Council-owned properties (48%) and owner-occupied or privately rented homes (52%), the programme is reducing energy demand, tackling fuel poverty, lowering household energy costs and cutting carbon emissions.

Members also welcomed the Council's ongoing commitment to its housing stock. The approved HRA Capital Plan 2027–2032 allocates £116.151 million for investment in existing Council homes, around £28 million more than the previous five-year programme.

An independent evaluation recognised Highland Council's approach to domestic energy efficiency and fuel poverty reduction as "highly effective and innovative", with stakeholders citing its model as best practice in local authority-led retrofit delivery. The assessment highlighted tangible benefits for residents, communities and the environment.

Further recognition has come via the Chartered Institute of Housing Awards, where the Council's D-C project is a finalist in the Net Zero in Housing category. The project delivered more than 1,000 energy efficiency improvements to Council homes across Highland, recognised for cutting emissions, improving efficiency and helping to mitigate fuel poverty.