Moray Benefits From Universal Home Insulation Funding

SNP TACKLING FUEL POVERTY ON MULTIPLE FRONTS

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government is to provide £200,000 to help Moray residents insulate their homes.

The move is timed to coincide with the Scottish Government’s winter preparedness programme, and will be rolled out in the coming months. The fund is aimed at reducing household bills, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty, as energy prices continue to rise in the North and North-east.

Meanwhile local Moray MP Angus Robertson, along with SNP colleagues at Westminster, is continuing to make the case for better regulation of energy prices and more action to help households struggling with soaring bills.

Commenting on the cash boost for households, the SNP’s Mr Stevenson said:

“We need to make sure we are as prepared as possible for winter when it comes, and this new funding boost for Moray households will not only tackle fuel poverty this year, but will continue to drive down winter bills for years to come.

“Moray Council successfully bid for the scheme and will administer the allocated fund. I encourage as many homes as possible to take up this opportunity.”

Commenting on the pressures caused by spiralling energy prices Angus Robertson MP said:

“Price hikes from fuel companies continue to threaten homes across Scotland with fuel poverty, which has no place in this energy-rich nation.

“In Moray alone it is estimated that around 8,000 homes could be in fuel poverty. While it is good news that the Scottish Government is doing what it can to help households use less energy the UK Government must also take action to tackle soaring prices.

“It is easy to dismiss the price rises as market forces but make no mistake fuel poverty can be life threatening for vulnerable households. Heat is a basic need and action to support those most in need and curb the excess profits of energy companies is desperately needed.”

Figures on allocations can be obtained from

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/warmhomes/uhis/areas

Over the next year, the £12.5 million Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) will be administered by local authorities to offer a range of free home insulation measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty.