ISLANDS MSP WELCOMES EXTENTION OF EQUITY LOAN SCHEME

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed the extension of the Scottish Government’s HEEPS Equity Loan scheme to the Western Isles.

The pilot scheme allows homeowners on low incomes to borrow up to £40,000 for energy efficiency improvements and essential repairs, including the installation of a new boiler, double glazing or repairs to reduce heat loss – which will be repaid when they sell their home or transfer ownership.

The scheme was launched in January 2017 in three local authority areas and has now been extended to include Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, Stirling, Dundee and the Western Isles until March 2019.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan MSP said:

“Here in the Western Isles housing is a key issue with a lack of affordable housing, an ageing housing stock and many houses poorly equipped to retain heat. I hope that this new scheme will not only keep people in the islands warmer, but also prevent houses from needing bigger repairs in the future.

“The extension of this Scottish Government scheme will allow homeowners in the Western Isles more options in how they can help improve their home’s energy efficiency rating and should be particularly beneficial to those on low incomes or those facing large repair bills.”