Scottish landlords offered interest free loans to insulate homes

The Scottish government has offered a new £14 million interest-free loan fund to boost the energy efficiency of rented homes.

For the first time, housing associations will be able to apply for loans from the government’s Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland (HEEPS) Loan Scheme. Until now, the scheme has been open only to owner-occupiers and private landlords.

The cash will help meet the cost of installing energy efficiency measures, like internal or external wall insulation or hard to treat cavity walls.

Individual households or private sector landlords looking for a loan should call 0808 808 2282, or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org For information on the registered social landlords loan scheme, visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/heeps-loan-for-RSLs

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “For the first time the HEEPS loans scheme will be open to housing associations. This will help ensure their homes meet the higher standards for energy efficiency that have been set by the Scottish Government. Last year more than £8 million was saved in fuel bills thanks to the HEEPS scheme, covering 30,000 households.”

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