Support is available to help make residents’ homes warmer

Homeowners in three areas of North Ayrshire can make their properties more energy efficient thanks to a scheme that installs measures such as wall insulation and solar panels.

Through its Energy Efficiency Scotland: Area Based Schemes (EES:ABS) programme, the Scottish Government funds local authorities to develop and deliver energy-efficiency programmes in areas where there are high levels of fuel poverty.

North Ayrshire Council has been allocated funding from this programme to enhance the energy efficiency of eligible privately-owned properties.

The energy efficiency of properties is boosted through the installation of measures including wall insulation, loft insulation and solar panels, and schemes are open now on Arran and Cumbrae as well as St Winning’s Well and St Winning’s Road in Kilwinning.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “This Scottish Government funding, which is managed by the Council and delivered by our partners, offers a great opportunity for residents to save money on their bills.

“It will also help people to cut their carbon footprint, and is helping to tackle fuel poverty while improving residents’ health and well-being by making homes warmer.

“If you are a homeowner who is struggling to heat your home, you could be eligible for support through these Area Based Schemes. I would encourage home owners in the three areas which currently have schemes up and running to get in touch to find out more.”

In line with government guidance, areas have been selected and households have been sent a letter of invitation, by the Council’s project managing agent M-Four, providing details of the scheme and explaining how to register interest.

If you live in one of these areas and meet the eligibility criteria, you could receive energy saving improvements to make your home warmer

Over the past twelve years, the Council’s EES:ABS have delivered energy efficiency measures to over 2800 hard-to-heat properties.

To be eligible, you must

• Have a household income of less than £31,000 after housing costs (evidence is required) and

• Have a council tax band from A to C or band D if your property has a low energy efficiency rating of E, F, or G.

To deliver this scheme, the council is working with Home Energy Scotland - which is funded by the Scottish Government and helps people create warmer homes, reduce their energy bills and lower their carbon footprint – as well as M-Four project managing agents.

To register your interest, please phone Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282. Home Energy Scotland can also provide free independent advice on other schemes available in your area.

M-Four will then assess your eligibility and provide assistance moving forward. M-Four can be contacted by telephone on 0800 471 4738 or by email at contact@m-four.org

If there are no projects taking place in your area at the moment, you can use the Home Energy Scotland funding tool to find out what other support may be available to you.

All projects are undertaken in designated areas that are identified in line with Energy Efficient Scotland guidance issued by the Scottish Government.