Source: Scotland – Highland Council
At their meeting held earlier today (Monday 4 November) members of the Black Isle and Easter Ross Committee took the opportunity to discuss measures to improve energy efficiency in social housing and the funding support available through the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Approval has been given at the Council’s Net Zero Programme Board to progress a Highland-wide cavity wall insulation project for Council properties which will be funded by the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).
Black Isle and Easter Ross has been identified as an area of priority for this project and has been one of the first areas reviewed and targeted. Letters were sent to Council tenants requesting them to contact the Council’s appointed contractor to arrange a property survey.
Data collected has identified a potential 108 Council properties across the Black Isle and Easter Ross which could be eligible for wall cavity insulation and a further 551 properties which includes privately owned and privately rented properties which could also benefit.
Following discussions today, Councillors agreed to support the development of externally funded projects and the opportunity to scale up. Officers will continue to work alongside the contractor to identify properties suitable for cavity wall insulation.
Chair, Councillor Lyndsey Johnston said: “As a committee we are very keen to do all we can to tackle fuel poverty in our communities and as we approach winter, I know many households will have concerns about their heating bills. The report we discussed today highlights the potential there is to make a difference by installing insulation to make properties more energy efficient and help to bring down heating bills. I look forward to progress being made.”
She added: “I would encourage Highland residents who are facing difficulty in meeting the cost of their fuel bills to reach out and take full advantage of the support available. “
The Council’s Welfare Support Team provides free, impartial and confidential support on fuel insecurity concerns, in addition to offering assistance to check eligibility and submit a claim for all benefits and entitlements. They can be contacted by phone on 0800 090 1004 or by e-mail
4 Nov 2024