Council to receive £1.3m for home efficiency improvements

Orkney Islands Council has been allocated £1.3m to help make homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

The Scottish Government’s £60m investment in the Home Energy Efficiency Programme for Scotland next year gives every council cash to help fuel poor and vulnerable households with energy efficiency improvements, such as solid wall, cavity and loft insulation.

According to the government, £48 million is being allocated on the basis of need, while councils can bid for a share of a further £12 million. It is part of the Scottish Government’s £94 million energy efficiency budget next year and has a key role in tackling fuel poverty.

Orkney will receive £1,343,167, which compares to £1,530,659 for the Western Isles and £812,522 for Shetland.