WESTERN ISLES

Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the impact of Warmer Homes Scotland on fuel poor households in his constituency.

More than 350 households in Dr Allan’s constituency of Na h-Eileanan

an Iar have benefited from the scheme’s help since it was launched in 2015, each of them saving more than £300 on their energy bills per year. The £224 million Warmer Homes Scotland scheme provides a step-by-step service to help

make homes warmer and more comfortable. Assistance can include installing new and efficient boilers, fitting new radiators, insulating lofts or even working with partners to install gas mains to make heating homes in hard to reach areas more affordable. All work is carried out by registered and accredited local sub-contractors, which work to rigorous quality standards across the country.

Warmworks is the managing agent of Warmer Homes Scotland and receives referrals to the scheme from Home Energy Scotland.

The work undertaken in Dr Allan’s constituency relies on the support of agencies such as Tighean Innse Gall, which works closely with Warmworks and plays an important part in referring people to the scheme for help to heat their homes more affordably.

Dr Allan said that, for too many families, living in fuel poverty was a harsh reality and it was great to know they were now living in warmer homes with reduced fuel bills.

‘I would encourage others to check if they are eligible to receive help under the scheme, as improvements could make a significant difference this winter and for years to come,’ he said. ‘I am also delighted that our community-led scheme, delivered by Tighean Innse Gall, on behalf of CnES and the Scottish Government, has led to even greater help.

‘Most MSPs do not have such a wonderful scheme in their constituency, and I am proud of the work done here. I also note TIG refers more people to the national scheme than anywhere else in Scotland – a real achievement.’

Stewart Wilson, Tighean Innse Gall’s chief executive, added: ‘It is great that Alasdair is so supportive of action to tackle fuel poverty. At our AGM just the other night, he showed considerable support for our partnership working.

‘It’s great to know that by working together there is help for folk in need, both from the national scheme and from the local, trusted and for the community Tighean Innse Gall.’