EXHA responds to Just Transition Commission report on a green recovery
Commission's report recommends doubling fuel poverty and home energy efficiency programmes.
The Existing Homes Alliance, which SFHA is a founding member of, has welcomed today's call for doubling fuel poverty and home energy efficiency programmes by the Just Transition Commission in its green recovery report.
The commission also recommends more incentives for those who are able to contribute to upgrading the energy performance of their homes.
Lori McElroy, Chair, Existing Homes Alliance Scotland, said: “Making our homes warm, affordable to heat and low carbon is one of the best ways to ‘build back better’ from the Covid-19 crisis. This investment will create and sustain jobs all over Scotland, save on fuel bills, improve health and wellbeing, and reduce climate emissions.
“This is great news as many people are spending more time at home due to the public health crisis for work, home schooling, shielding, and caring for family. We expect more people will struggle to pay their energy bills given high unemployment levels and reduced incomes. This is especially true for those hardest hit by the Covid-19 economic crisis – young people, women, BAME communities and low income individuals and families.”
Lorna Wilson, SFHA Head of Policy and Innovation, said: "Housing associations are at the forefront of providing energy efficient homes as they have to meet high government standards, and we welcome any much needed funding to support them to continue this work.
"Building more warm, energy efficient affordable housing must be at the heart of Scotland's recovery from Covid-19 in order to support the country's people and the economy."