SFHA Says “No Deal” to Green Deal

The Coalition Government must offer a better deal to Scotland's tenants and social landlords on energy efficiency, the SFHA said as the consultation on the Coalition Government's plans closed today

(Wednesday 18th January 2012).

The Green Deal and ECO (Energy Company Obligation) are the UK Government's flagship policies for energy efficiency and a key plank in the coalition's plans to cut carbon emissions.

David Stewart, SFHA Policy & Strategy Manager said:

"The Deal on offer from the UK Government is not a great one for Scotland's housing associations and co-operatives, who already have the most energy efficient housing in Scotland. But more needs to be done however to tackle fuel poverty and climate change. Whether further progress can be made through the Green Deal and ECO is doubtful.

"The Green Deal is most likely to work in funding low-cost energy efficiency measures with quick pay-back periods. As many housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland have already taken these measures, it's harder to see what the Deal will do for them. Harder to treat properties - of which Scotland has many - may be neglected.

"The scheme is designed so that loans are repaid through energy bills. This creates a danger that tenants may end up paying twice for a warm home - once through their energy bill, and once through their rent. We call on the UK Government to recognise the potential of housing associations and co-ops to lead on cost-effective large-scale energy efficiency schemes and they need to adjust their proposals accordingly."

Mr Stewart continued:

"In addition, it's unfair that social tenants aren't eligible for ECO support, given the extent of fuel poverty they face. We also need to ensure that Scotland gets its fair share of funding, given its rurality, and large number of stone-built properties which are hard to heat.

"In summary, the SFHA feels the Deal on offer to Scotland's tenants and housing associations must be substantially improved if we're to tackle fuel poverty and climate change in a fair and effective way."

ends

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NOTES:

1) The SFHA was established in 1975 and has around 170 members providing affordable housing and wider community services in Scotland, as well as a further 200 commercial members. The SFHA is owned by its membership and exists to support the work of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland by providing services, advice and good practice guidance.

2) The SFHA is the voice of the principal builders and managers of new affordable housing for rent in Scotland. Housing Associations own and manage around 40% of the country's affordable rented housing stock, over a quarter of a million homes across Scotland.

3) Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.