£2 million campaign to fight fuel poverty across Perth and Kinross

More than £2 million is being spent upgrading heating systems at homes across Perth and Kinross.

The move is aimed at tackling fuel poverty which affects about 20% of local households.

Council chiefs have secured £1.2m from the Warm Homes Fund, which was set up by the National Grid and Affordable Warmth Solutions last year.

The windfall will be backed by just over £1m of local authority funds, plus nearly £140,000 from SSE.

The project supports the delivery of gas network extensions, the installation of 63 air source heat pumps, while supporting those living in poverty.

It is hoped the scheme will be rolled out across the region by December 2019.

Housing and communities convener Peter Barrett said: “The council is already working to tackle fuel poverty in Perth and Kinross through a number of initiatives.

“The news of this significant funding award, supported by major council investment and money from SSE, will be a huge boost to our efforts.

“Everyone has the right to live in a warm home that is affordable to heat.

“This money will help us target homes that are situated in rural areas which the gas network doesn’t reach.

“It will make a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of residents and I look forward working in partnership with SSE.”

SSE’s head of energy solutions, Neil Donald, said: “This grant will help some of the most deserving fuel-poor households in the region to improve their heating systems and energy efficiency of their homes.”