A new £60m fund has been announced to help households living in fuel poverty make their homes warmer, more environmentally friendly and cheaper to heat.

The investment will be delivered through the Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland (HEEPS) and will focus on fuel poor households across the country. The funds will allow energy efficient work such as solid wall, cavity and loft insulation to be carried out to properties.

It is understood around £42m, will be divided between Scotland's 32 local councils, while the remaining £18m will be made available to local authorities to develop larger scale schemes.

Commenting on the news, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess, said: "This £60 million investment will help households in fuel poor areas stay warm and reduce their energy bills. In total, the Scottish Government will spend almost a quarter of a billion pounds over a three year period on fuel poverty and energy efficiency.


"Rising energy bills remain a huge concern for this government. Today's funding will see thousands of homes across Scotland receive new measures like solid wall insulation and help to drive down the number of people living in fuel poverty.

"The investment will also support and sustain the insulation industry in Scotland, generating work and supporting jobs."

Councillor Philip Saxton, Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: "The measures we've undertaken with the Energy Agency have made a real difference to local residents who can now enjoy a cosy, warm and energy-efficient home.

"We now have the opportunity to offer energy efficiency measures to more people and households, helping them to reduce their energy bills and saving them money, especially for those whose fuel bills take up a significant amount of their income."

Householders who would like more information on the scheme can visit www.homeenergyscotland.org.

(JP)