Scottish government reopens retrofit support programme with £728m in funding
The Scottish government has reopened the Warmer Homes scheme with £728m in funding.
Patrick Harvie, minister for zero carbon buildings, said the programme would provide up to £728m over the next seven years.
Warmer Homes Scotland was first launched in 2015 and has helped more than 35,000 older or lower-income households with funding for insulation and new heating systems, the government said.
Funding will be taken from the £1.8bn committed during the current five-year parliamentary term to support the transition to low-carbon heat systems.
The scheme had been paused since May 2023, but the second phase opened today.
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Criteria for eligibility include homes with poor energy ratings and residents who are in receipt of certain benefits.
According to the government, most eligible households get around £10,000 of support through the programme and on average reduce their heating bill by £300 per year.
Mr Harvie said: “We are now ramping up our support and making a long-term investment in helping those in fuel poverty through the energy transition… This means we can offer more support per household, allowing us to deliver whole-house retrofit and install more measures in individual properties.”
He added: “There will also be a focus on climate-friendly heating where this is financially and technically possible.
“We are committed to a heat transition that takes people with us and that shows clearly why a rapid shift away from fossil fuels is necessary. That transition can liberate people from the insecurity of fossil fuel prices, and lead to warm and healthy homes while tackling fuel poverty and climate breakdown.
“Only 10 days ago the UK government signalled a significant retreat from steps they could have taken to support changes in home heating and tackle the climate crisis. In stark contrast, we are committed to introducing legislation in this parliamentary term and to supporting people through this transition.”
