Glasgow City Council receives almost £5m to boost efficiency of homes

The money will be used in owner occupied and private rented homes in wholly-owned and mixed-tenure blocks in the city.

It is part of the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland programme for 2020/21.

The scheme’s objectives include upgrading housing stock, tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.

Councillor Kenny McLean, city convener for neighbourhoods, housing and public realm, said: “This very welcome funding from Energy Efficient Scotland will help to reduce fuel poverty in Glasgow, supporting many people and families in the city.

“Better energy efficiency in our homes not only saves money, but reduces carbon emissions and contributes to curbing climate change.”

The programme supports the aim of making Scotland’s existing buildings near zero-carbon wherever feasible by 2050.

It aligns with the council’s Affordable Warmth Strategy, which aims to address fuel poverty, energy inefficiency and climate change.

The Scottish House Condition Survey 2018 found an estimated 72,000 households in Glasgow were “fuel poor” – meaning more than 10 per cent of their disposable household income was spent on fuel costs.

Areas and homes in Glasgow to be targeted through this funding will be those with: the lowest Scottish Index Multiple Deprivation ratings; in council tax band A-C and tax band D in certain conditions; low-income households and fuel-poor households; areas missed out of social landlords’ investment programmes; and areas where people are living in vulnerable conditions to the cold.

A funding criteria change means whereas previously eligible landlords were only allowed one grant contribution, a contribution could now be made for a second property if the landlord does not own more than two properties.

The planned programme of delivery of energy efficiency works will be reported to a council committee in August.

Councillors are recommended to agree to the funding at a meeting on Thursday.