Give your views on new energy rules which could hit many homeowners in the pocket

The Scottish Government is urging homeowners across the Isles to provide their views on its proposals for a new, legally-binding standard for home energy efficiency from 2024 onwards, which will help tackle climate change and eradicate fuel poverty.

Currently, 62 per cent of homes are owner-occupied, but only 38 percent of these have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of C or above.

Improvements to properties will mean financial outlay for homeowners.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said that the Scottish Government is supporting home-owners to make their homes warmer and cheaper.

He explained: “We are facing a global climate emergency and for our part, the Scottish Government is doing all we can to tackle climate change.

“Social landlords are already making excellent progress towards their energy efficiency target and with this standard, we will help homeowners to do the same.”

Locally Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) will be conducting a series of local engagement events across the islands in order to collate the responses of islanders and pass these on to the Scottish Government.

It is hoped that the Government will take these local opinions and any issues particular to the Islands into account when shaping the Energy Efficient Scotland programme and its next steps for action in owner-occupied housing. The consultation will be open until March 26th.

See the consultation at: www.gov.scot/publications/energy-efficient-scotland-improving-energy-efficiency-owner-occupied-homes/

TIG in partnership with the Stornoway Community Council will be holding the first of its local engagement events tonight (Thursday, February 20th) at the Bridge Centre, Bayhead, Stornoway at 7.30pm.

All are welcome to attend and give their views on the proposed new rules.