Age Scotland welcomes investment in insulation scheme

The Scottish Government is to invest more than £16 million in the existing Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) during 2012-13.  Households in each council area in Scotland will be offered free insulation measures to make their homes more energy efficient.

The scheme, administered by local authorities, offers a range of free home insulation measures including loft and cavity wall insulation.  These measures can help improve energy efficiency, keep heating bills down and reduce fuel poverty.

Age Scotland Policy Officer, Greg McCracken, said "This extra funding is very welcome and should go a long way to helping many people across the country cut their household bills.

"Ensuring our existing housing stock is as efficient as possible is one of the best means for the Government to meet its target of eradicating fuel poverty by 2016.  However, many people may not be aware they're at risk of fuel poverty.  It's important, therefore, that we encourage all older people - not just those who think they're at risk of fuel poverty - to effectively insulate their homes."

Following the conclusion of funding for UHIS in March 2013, tackling fuel poverty will fall within the UK Government's Green Deal and ECO schemes currently in development.  Age Scotland will ensure all the latest information on accessing the Green Deal will be available to help households cut their fuel bills.

UHIS is open to owners, private sector tenants as well as landlords.  If you're interested in finding out what UHIS can offer you, why not call the Home Energy Scotland Hotline, on 0800 512 012.