Inside Housing – Home – Scottish government unveils new energy efficiency support for homeowners

News02.12.22by Tim ClarkThe Scottish government has unveiled plans to make it simpler and more affordable for homeowners in the country to install climate-friendly energy-efficiency measures.Holyrood parliament building in Scotland (picture: Getty) SharelinesThe Scottish government unveils plans to make it simpler and more affordable for homeowners to install energy-efficiency measures #UKhousing Under the Scottish government’s initiative, homeowners can now apply for a standalone grant of £7,500 from the Home Energy Scotland scheme to install heat pumps.
Previously, applicants were required to sign up for a loan before they qualified for this funding, but they can now access the money directly.
The new approach is designed to offer greater flexibility for those looking to make their homes more climate friendly.
The enhanced measures will also include an extra £1,500 for homeowners in rural areas, in line with a commitment made as part of the Bute House Agreement, the power-sharing  arrangement between the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Greens.
A standalone grant of £7,500 for energy efficiency improvements to homes will also be made available. Patrick Harvie, the minister for zero-carbon buildings, announced the changes while on a visit to a Home Energy Scotland advice centre in Edinburgh to learn more about the ways its advisors have been helping people to access energy-efficiency funding.
“Reducing emissions from our homes and buildings is one of the most important things we can do to help end Scotland’s contribution to climate change,” he said.
“Our Heat in Buildings Strategy sets out ambitious targets to transform how we heat and insulate buildings, and we have committed £1.8bn over this parliament to support its delivery. This includes doubling our funding for the Home Energy Scotland scheme this year.
“The improvements to the Home Energy Scotland scheme – including, importantly, targeted support for those in rural areas – will make it easier for people to access funding to ensure their homes are more energy efficient and use climate-friendly heating.” The new Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme provides a grant that can be taken on its own or alongside an interest-free Home Energy Scotland loan.
This replaces the previous Home Energy Scotland Loan and Cashback offer, where the cashback element had to be taken in tandem with an interest-free loan.
The aim of the funding for energy-efficiency improvements is to provide up to 75% of the combined cost of the improvements and up to the maximum grant amount of £7,500.
Replacing the cashback element of the previous Home Energy Scotland funding offer with a standalone grant was pledged in the 2022-23 programme for government.
The Scottish government said £42m have been committed to the initiative for the year 2022-23.



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