Briggs hails 2,444 local people helped by warm homes scheme

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs has welcomed the impact in his constituency of a scheme aimed at helping homes become warmer, more comfortable and more affordable to heat.

Warmer Homes Scotland, the Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme, has supported 2,444 people in Lothian since it was launched in 2015, with each of them saving an average of £264 off their energy bills.

The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme provides a step-by-step service to identify where energy improvements can be made in the home and arranges for this work to be carried out. The scheme offers new central heating systems, including renewable heating technologies such as air source heat pumps, in all property types and in all regions of Scotland.

All of the work delivered under the scheme is carried out by registered and accredited local sub-contractors, working to rigorous quality standards across the country, with completed work independently checked to guarantee that these standards are met. In the last year, 99% of Warmer Homes Scotland customers said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the work carried out in their homes.

A new report also found that the scheme has wider benefits for the health, wellbeing and social lives of those people who received support.

It also identified positive outcomes from the scheme for all levels of society, from householders through to the NHS and the Scottish Government.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I’m pleased to learn that the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme has supported so many people in my constituency to be warmer and more comfortable in their homes.

“It’s also great to learn about Warmworks Scotland’s new report and the positive benefits from the scheme on householders’ health, wellbeing and day-to-day living.

“I’m delighted to know that the scheme has helped many of my constituents save money on their fuel bills. I’d encourage all of my constituents to check if they are eligible to receive help under the scheme, as the improvements it offers could make a real difference this winter and in the years to come.”

Warmworks Scotland Managing Director, Ross Armstrong, added: “The Warmer Homes Scotland scheme has been helping people right across Scotland feel warmer and more comfortable in their homes for six years.

“But we also now know that the benefits of the scheme go even further, and that it’s making a real difference in terms of supporting people with their health, wellbeing and day-to-day lives.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to help 2,444 people in Miles Briggs MSP’s constituency to be warmer and more comfortable in their homes, and that they have saved £264on their fuel bills thanks to the improvements made under the scheme.

“We look forward to building on this work and helping many more people throughout Lothian and across Scotland in the years to come.”