Rule change on reneweable loans 27/12/12
SNP MSP Alasdair Allan, has obtained a change in the rules of eligibility for the Home Renewables Loan Scheme, which will now allow people building new houses to participate in this scheme, until it closes at the end of March 2013.
Previously this scheme had only been available to fit renewable energy generating equipment to older properties.
Alasdair Allan commented: “This was an issue which a constituent raised with me and which I took up with Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing. Essentially it makes sense to me that this scheme is available to people in the islands who are trying to find a more efficient way of heating a house – whether that means improving an older house or a new house.
“Fergus Ewing reviewed the rules of eligibility and I am pleased to say has broadened them out to include new build properties. This particular scheme is open until the end of March 2013 and so I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for assistance to apply to the Energy Savings Trust on 0800 512 012.
“The Western Isles has an ongoing issue with the need to improve its housing stock and tackle fuel poverty, and building new homes is part of the answer to this. This is a useful change in the rules and one which I hope people in the islands will make use of.”