A report on the initiative, which will go before the Housing Sub Committee today, will ask member to note the funding allocation of £1,637,786 as well as agreeing proposed projects for between 2016/17.

The HEEPS-ABS scheme is funded by the Scottish Government and will be delivered in partnership with Energy Agency. It aims to assist both property owners and people living in the private rented sector.

Now entering into its fourth year, the initiative has the following objectives:

Following on from the 2014/15 programme, the 2015/16 schedule will continue the projects previously agreed by councillors, including solid wall insulation projects in Stranraer, Dumfries and Rural areas for homes in Council Tax bands A – C, and external wall insulation in Upper Nithsdale.

The Energy Agency is responsible for the procurement of the contract for HEEPS:ABS in Dumfries and Galloway.

Local sub-contractors can benefit from the scheme by delivering a range of services such as electrical works, heating installations, gas work and aerial removal and replacement.

Cllr Craig Peacock said: “One of our top council priorities is to tackle the causes and effects of inequality and poverty. To date a total of 631 measures have been installed in homes in Dumfries and Galloway which are estimated to result in fuel bill savings in excess of £4.21 million over the measure’s lifetime of 36 years.

“I am delighted that the HEEPS-ABS programme is proving to be an effective way of assisting fuel poor households improve the energy efficiency in their homes along with saving 16000 tonnes of carbon emissions which helps us as a council play our part in securing a better future for our children.”