04 October 2009
A new government scheme offering loans to improve home insulation will be too poorly funded to make any real difference, say the Scottish Greens.
The Scottish government is this week expected to unveil a pilot scheme giving householders loans to enhance the energy efficiency of their homes, and cut their fuel bills. Another aim is to reduce the pollution that is disrupting the climate.
But the Green MSP, Patrick Harvie, dismissed the scheme as a “pale imitation” of the one he proposed in last year’s budget. “It’s a bare minimum so ministers can say with a half-straight face that they've done what they promised,” he said.
To effectively tackle the problem of cold and draughty houses, an insulation programme would need tens of millions of pounds, Harvie argued. “We'd be surprised if ministers put more than £2 million into this scheme, perhaps enough to cover two or three houses in every thousand.”
The scheme was, however, welcomed by WWF Scotland, who said it would go “some way” to improving housing and cutting climate emissions. “Although we need to see the details, this initiative is very welcome,” said the environmental group’s director, Dr Richard Dixon.
“Cost shouldn't be a barrier to people enjoying warm homes so this scheme could really make a difference and will mean that the government's current schemes will be able to offer a more comprehensive service to people keen to save energy and money.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, is yet to disclose the scheme’s scope and funding. But he promised it would help “thousands of people” to cut their fuel bills.
“We all need to stop wasting energy in our homes, in transport and at work,” he said. "And the economic benefits of making Scotland a leader in energy efficiency, sustaining tens of thousands of jobs, will be important in building a sustainable, low carbon economy.”
A consultation paper will ask for views on annual targets for energy efficiency and look at ways of changing attitudes and influencing behaviour. It will also explore what opportunities exist to capitalise on innovation and investment in energy efficiency.
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