SFHA responds to Scottish Government energy efficiency funding announcement
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement yesterday (Wednesday 12 June) of £3.5 million for energy efficiency measures for social landlords. (1)
The announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Aileen Campbell at the SFHA’s annual conference in Glasgow.
The funding is being provided for measures, such as insulation and internal improvements, to social rented accommodation.
To receive the funding, projects must also include activity to reduce a building’s carbon footprint, such as ground source heat pumps, biomass energy from organic material and solar panels.
Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said:
“The SFHA has been calling for additional support for social landlords to reduce fuel poverty and increase energy efficiency, and we are pleased that the Scottish Government has announced this funding and hope it is one of several tranches.
“A recent survey by SFHA reported a 73% increase in tenants at risk of or experiencing fuel poverty, with welfare reform given as one of the main causes. Addressing energy efficiency alone will not be enough to eradicate fuel poverty, and we will keep lobbying the UK Government to raise social security in line with inflation to ensure no one has to choose between heating or eating.” (2)
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For further information, please contact SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker on t: 0141 567 6221 m: 0788 788 8348 email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk
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NOTES:
- https://news.gov.scot/news/energy-efficiency-grants-for-social-landlords
- https://www.sfha.co.uk/our-work/media/sub-category/press-release-subcategory/media-article/seventy-three-per-cent-rise-in-fuel-poverty
- The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has around 133 members providing affordable housing and wider community services across Scotland, as well as a further 150 sector associates. The SFHA is owned and governed by its members and exists to lead, represent and support the work of housing associations and co-operatives throughout Scotland.
- The SFHA is the voice of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. SFHA’s 133 members represent 85% of the sector, own and manage 86% of the 247,000+ housing association stock across Scotland. Together, housing associations and co-operatives provide housing for almost 500,000 people, which is one in every 11 households.
- Over 15,000 staff are employed by SFHA members across Scotland, 93% of the staff within the sector.
- Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies, regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.