Michael Matheson, MSP for Falkirk West, has welcomed moves by the Scottish Government to ensure that some of Scotland’s poorest households will receive a multi-million pound boost in 2015/16 to make their homes cheaper to keep warm.
The Scottish Government’s £5 million HEEPS: Cashback – Social Landlords Scheme offers funding to housing associations and local authority landlords towards energy efficiency measures. It forms part of the Scottish Government’s record £119 million budget for fuel poverty and energy efficiency in 2015/16 and means that social landlords can apply for up to £250,000 in funding to help drive down the cost of tenants’ fuel bills.
The scheme will open to applications on Monday, June 8.
Announcing the funding at the annual Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Conference, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said:
“Housing is, and will remain, at the heart of the Government’s ambitions to create a fairer and more prosperous country. A supply of high quality housing stock and introducing energy efficiency measures stimulates economic growth, provides jobs and strengthens communities and tackles inequality. It is clear that energy efficiency measures can make a huge difference to families who are struggling to make ends meet. The cashback scheme is aimed at saving householders’ money by reducing their heating bills and will also cut carbon emissions.”
Welcoming the announcement, Michael Matheson added:
“This is a very welcome announcement for my constituents. All too often I speak to families and individuals who must make the choice between eating a meal and heating their home. I therefore welcome this decision and the positive impact that it will have on my constituents.”
