Question reference: S5W-31012
- Date lodged: 30 July 2020
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 11 August 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a grant scheme to increase energy efficiency in the homes of employed people.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to helping households in Scotland to have more energy efficient and affordable to heat homes, and we have a long-standing range of funding and support schemes available.
For homeowners, interest-free loan schemes covering up to 100% of the cost of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures are available, including cashback grants on some measures for example: Loft, floor or cavity wall insulation: up to £1,000 (£750 loan plus £250 cashback); Solid wall insulation: up to £10,000 (£7,500 loan plus £2,500 cashback) and Heating system (warm air units or high heat retention electric storage heaters): up to £5,000 (£4,600 plus £400 cashback).
The maximum amount that can be borrowed is £15,000 (including a maximum cashback amount of £3,750).
Some householders may also be eligible for funded support through the Scottish Government’s national Warmer Homes Scotland scheme or through local authority-led Area Based Schemes. These programmes are focused on individuals in fuel poverty and areas with a high proportion of fuel poor households respectively. Eligibility criteria apply, but employment status is not directly a criteria.
Home Energy Scotland, which is funded by the Scottish Government, acts as our gateway to all of the Scottish Government’s energy efficiency schemes. They also offer all callers free and impartial energy efficiency advice and advice on how to keep the home warmer and more affordable to heat.