South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield has welcomed the impact in his region 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 3,387 people in South Scotland since it was launched in 2015, with each of them saving an average of £326 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.

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.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“I’m pleased to learn that the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme has supported so many people in the South Scotland region to be warmer and more comfortable in their homes. It’s also good news that the scheme has helped so many of my constituents save money on their fuel bills.

“However, with energy bills soaring it’s vital that we do more to help tackle the blight of fuel poverty. I’d encourage residents across South Scotland 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 future.”

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 3,387 people in Martin Whitfield MSP’s region to be warmer and more comfortable in their homes, that they have saved £326 on 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 South Scotland and across Scotland in the years to come.”

To find out more about Warmer Homes Scotland, or to make an application, you can call Home Energy Scotland (a Scottish Government programme managed by Warmworks Scotland’s partner, the Energy Saving Trust) free on 0808 808 2282.