Warm homes scheme restarts

A national scheme to make Scottish homes more energy efficient has restarted after shutting down during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme offers free boilers, insulation and other measures to those struggling to heat their homes.

From yesterday, more than 300 people who were furloughed on the programme will begin work again.

Up to September 2019, more than 17,000 homes had been given energy saving measures under the scheme.

Warmworks, the company which is delivering the programme, will contact those whose installations have been delayed.

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “Our national scheme to help make more homes become energy efficient will restart, which should help to reduce fuel bills and provide vital support to those who have been struggling even more as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Warmer Homes Scotland makes a huge difference to the lives of thousands of fuel poor households every year and I know this will also be welcome news to the hundreds of workers employed to deliver the service.

“We want a Scotland where everyone lives in a warm home and where we have put an end to fuel poverty.

“By 2021 the Scottish Government will have allocated over £1 billion to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency, making people’s homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

“I would ask people to please be patient while work resumes. Warmworks will contact people as soon as possible to confirm when their service will be restarted.”

Work has restarted where social distancing guidelines can be fully maintained, in line with site operating procedures published by Construction Scotland and guidance by the Scottish Government.