£1.2 million to tackle fuel poverty in Dumfries & Galloway

 

Dr McLeod, who has previously raised the issue of fuel poverty in the region through parliamentary questions, commented:

 

“This is excellent news and will certainly make a significant difference to what is currently a major problem for Dumfries & Galloway. Any level of fuel poverty is unacceptable but in Dumfries & Galloway more than 40% of households struggle to heat their homes.

 

“Of course there are a number of reasons for this. Many parts of the region do not have access to mains gas and therefore rely on more expensive alternative fuels for heating.

 

“There are also many older and harder to insulate properties with solid stone walls, attics which are difficult to access in order to insulate or sash and case single glazed windows, often required by conservation area status or if buildings are listed.

 

“And of course underlying all of this is Dumfries & Galloway’s continuing status as a low wage economy. That combination of low average wages, reliance on more expensive off-grid fuels and an older, harder to heat housing stock all make for substantial problem which has persisted for years.

 

“So I am delighted that the region is going to see this major investment from the Scottish Government, which will make a real difference to people who currently struggle to keep warm.”

 

 

For further information:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2013/06/HEEPSfunding13062013