South of Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine has welcomed news that £1.7million extra cash will be made available to Dumfries and Galloway to make homes warmer and cheaper to heat.
The money will be awarded to Dumfries and Galloway council as part of a £60 million Scottish Government funding package being allocated to local authorities across Scotland
The Scottish Government’s investment in the Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland next year gives every council cash to help fuel poor and vulnerable households with energy efficiency improvements such as solid wall, cavity and loft insulation.
The £60 million Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland: Area Based Schemes provides grant funding to local authorities to develop and deliver local fuel poverty programmes.
£48 million is being allocated today on the basis of need, while councils can bid for a share of a further £12 million. It is part of the Scottish Government’s £94 million energy efficiency budget next year and has a key role in tackling fuel poverty.
Ms McAlpine commented:
“The Scottish Government is helping people keep their homes warm. This £48 million will be distributed across Scotland to help thousands of households in the most fuel poor areas stay warm and cut energy bills.
“The Scottish Government can’t control fuel prices but are investing in energy efficiency for homes. The government has invested over £300 million since 2009 to make fuel poor homes more energy efficient, and this year and next, is spending £94 million to improve energy efficiency.
“With winter weather taking hold across Scotland, I’d encourage all of my constituents to seek free and impartial advice on how they can reduce their energy costs. Help on how to save money or receive support for home insulation, boilers or central heating is available by contacting Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or visiting the website at www.homeenergyscotland.org.”
