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Scottish government fast-tracks £20m social housing net zero fund
Social landlords in Scotland are now able to apply for a share of the government’s £20m Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund, as the funding has been fast-tracked to support the country’s COVID-19 recovery.
The Scottish government today announced that the vast majority of the fund will be made available over the coming year to support shovel-ready projects.
Funding will primarily be focused on the installation of heat pumps, with biomass boilers and integrated low-carbon heat solutions in existing social housing also eligible for support.
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Scotland’s energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global crisis which has fundamentally changed almost every aspect of our lives and the Scottish government is committed to ensuring a strategic economic recovery from the pandemic.
“This £20m Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund will deliver rapid investment to support both our energy and construction sectors whilst reducing bills for those who in many cases have been worst hit by the economic impact of COVID-19.
“The Scottish government remains wholly committed to ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change by 2045 and to ensuring that we do so in a way that leaves no one behind. The Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund will deliver on both principles, and my colleagues and I look forward to seeing this investment delivering multiple benefits across our society in the coming months.”
Commenting on the announcement, Sally Thomas, chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, said: “We welcome the Scottish government’s announcement of £20m funding to provide energy-efficient, low-carbon heat provision to social housing projects.
“Not only will the funding help to reduce fuel poverty and contribute to reducing climate change, it will help to support Scotland’s green recovery from COVID-19. We know that investment in the social housing sector helps to stimulate the economy and create jobs – as the current Affordable Housing Supply Programme has shown – so we are pleased to see the government acknowledge this.
“We will continue working with government to see the further substantial investment required to tackle fuel poverty. We hope today’s announcement is an indication the government recognises that more funding is required for the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing Two as it will directly contribute to meeting net zero targets.”
Social Housing Scottish Annual Conference
Social Housing Scottish Annual Conference takes place online on 15 September 2020.
Brought to you by our sister publication Social Housing, this unmissable event will provide a unique opportunity for learning, collaboration and idea-sharing to unite and support the sector during an unprecedented time.
Experts from across the sector including Ian Brennan, director of regulation at the Scottish Housing Regulator, Alison Watson, director at Shelter and Patrick Flynn, head of regeneration and housing services at Glasgow City Council will delve into crucial topics including priorities and strategies for registered providers in the wake of the pandemic, embedding financial resilience, addressing homelessness, tenant support, navigating risk and investing in both existing and new homes. Plus hear how funders and investors are responding to the economic and political uncertainty of the day.
Save £100 on your delegate pass when you book using discount code IH25.
For group discounts and booking enquiries contact Andrej.vanoudgaarden@insidehousing.co.uk
