Home heating scheme reaches ‘landmark’ of 50,000 households

First Minister John Swinney has praised a home heating initiative as it reached a “landmark” in the number of households which have benefited.

More than 50,000 households across Scotland have now received support to live in homes which are more affordable to heat as part of the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme.

The Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme delivered by Warmworks provides insulation and heating improvements to people living in or at risk of fuel poverty.

The scheme launched in 2015 and since then the Scottish Government has provided an estimated £400 million to support heating homes.

Mr Swinney said: “I’m delighted to be at Warmworks today to mark the fact that 50,000 individuals and families have been supported by the Scottish Government’s energy efficiency and home installation programme, and what that has done has meant it’s improved the living circumstances of families around the country, reduced the fuel costs and given them much more sustainable heating solutions.

“It’s all part of the Government’s work to make the transition to net zero and to ensure that we have in place all of the support that can assist families who are wrestling with fuel poverty.

“So, it’s a real landmark, which comes about as a consequence of 10 years of consistent Scottish Government support for this important work.”

During a visit to Warmworks in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney met with Warmer Homes Scotland customer Sandra Owen.

Ms Owen received electric storage heaters through the scheme to improve the energy efficiency of her home.

Mr Swinney said: “In the course of my visit today I’ve spoken to a lady who came to visit me, but also a householder that I spoke to by telephone in the Western Isles, where their living conditions have improved significantly because they’ve got good quality heating and the house is more insulated. So, the house is quite simply warm.

“It’s got better effects on their health and wellbeing, and is enabling those individuals to be more comfortable in their lives.

“All of that work that’s undertaken has a beneficial effect on the economy, because it’s generating jobs and employment around the country, and it’s also helping with our determination to reduce fuel poverty in Scotland.”

Nicola Mcleod, Warmworks managing director, Scotland division, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be marking this milestone today and celebrating what the scheme has delivered for households across the country with the support of our team, our supply chain and partners.

“That’s 50,000 people and families who are now living in warmer, healthier homes and worrying less about their fuel bills.

“Those savings will go a long way in helping so many people in their daily lives, but with so many homes still struggling to stay affordably warm, we know there is a huge amount more still to be done.

“We’re committed to working alongside the Scottish Government to ensure that Warmer Homes Scotland continues to support as many households as possible and is able to extend its proven, lasting impact on people and communities across the country.”