Strathspey MSP welcomes energy scheme
A new free Scottish Government energy efficiency scheme has been welcomed by Strathspey and Badenoch’s MSP Dave Thompson.
The scheme, “Warmer Homes Scotland”, administered by the Energy Savings Trust, opened for applications today (Tuesday, September 1).
The £224m scheme is designed to provide full funding to help people make their homes warmer and more comfortable by installing a range of energy efficiency measures.
Assistance is available to homeowners and private sector tenants who have lived in their property for at least six months and will focus on those on low incomes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Mr Thompson said: “It’s welcome news for home owners and private sector tenants, especially as we exit summer and particularly as we know how cold the Highlands can get in the depths of winter”.
Some of the potential measures include wall insulation, loft insulation, draught-proofing, central heating and solar panels.
“This is great, especially as the scheme is targeted to those on low incomes, the elderly, or those in receipt of certain social security payments that otherwise might not be able to afford energy saving upgrades.
“The measures offered will depend on a survey of the property and even if folk have received assistance via another Government programme they can still apply for a Warmer Homes Scotland grant.
“This excellent news follows another recent Scottish Government announcement that a Scottish Rural Poverty Task Force has been set up and that part of its remit will be to find ways of making it easier and more affordable for people in rural and remote Scotland to heat their homes.
“These announcements are a wonderful step in right direction towards eradicating the scourge of fuel poverty in the Highlands and Islands and show that the Scottish Government is committed to doing just that”.
