The funding comes from the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Schemes (ABS) programme, which takes an area-based approach with the twin aims of tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency to make Scotland's existing buildings near Zero-Carbon wherever feasible by 2045.
A new feature of this scheme, which provides measures to assist private households in or at risk of fuel poverty that help to reduce energy usage and costs, is the relaxation of owners' contributions, with the previous fee of £1500 being waived in 2022/23 as it was seen as a barrier to participation. This decision was taken after consideration of the impact of the cost of living / energy price crises and following discussions with the Scottish Government.
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It is expected that this change will mean greater uptake in the scheme, which takes a 'fabric first' approach and the funding primarily supports the installation of external wall insulation.
The scheme is targeted at areas in Glasgow within the lowest 25% Scottish Index Multiple Deprivation (2020); in Council Tax Band A-C and Tax Band D in certain conditions; that are not included in the area of operation of Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and/or have consequently missed out on investment programmes; and where people are living with vulnerable conditions to the cold.
The ABS programme helps deliver the aims of city and national initiatives such as Glasgow City Council's Affordable Warmth Strategy, Sustainable Glasgow, and the Climate Change Strategy, as well as the Scottish Government's Housing to 2040 Vision.
Research and analysis published by the Child Poverty Action Group in August 2022 has estimated that from January 2023 around 180,000 households in Glasgow may be in fuel poverty.
Councillor Kenny McLean, Convener for Housing at Glasgow City Council, said: "In recent years, this scheme has helped to make homes in Glasgow more energy-efficient, reducing energy costs and emissions. Given the challenges so many face with energy costs, the value of this scheme is clear, all the more so given the relaxation in owners' contributions this year."
