New applicants to the 2023/24 scheme can receive grants of between £9,000 and £21,600 per household, to carry out work including external and internal wall insulation, underfloor insulation, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation.

Depending on individual circumstances, the funding is available to:

• Owner-occupiers living in properties in Council Tax Bands A, B and C.
• Owner-occupiers living in properties in Council Tax Band D if they have a household energy rating of E, F or G.
• For owner-occupiers on islands, in addition to the above, living in properties in Council Tax Band E to H if they have a household energy rating of E, F or G.
• Private rented householders living in properties in Council Tax Bands A, B and C.

Council leader, Councillor Robin Currie, said: “Hundreds of people in Argyll and Bute have already benefitted from warmer, more energy efficient homes as a result of the scheme.

“Not only have these improvements helped to reduce peoples’ outgoings in terms of heating costs, they have also contributed to creating a climate friendly Argyll and Bute by reducing carbon emissions.

“Fuel poverty is a real concern and I don’t think people realise their home could benefit from a range of energy efficiency improvements through the scheme, at no or very little cost to themselves. I would urge people to take advantage of this non-means-tested scheme while it is available and get in touch to see how it could benefit them.”

Home Energy Scotland is the referral partner for the scheme and will carry out an estimate of household energy ratings and make a referral on behalf of householder to the scheme. In addition, they will also offer a very welcome general energy saving assessment.