The Leith social landlord made a successful bid on behalf of the ARCHIE partnership for funding from the Energy Redress Scheme. The £172,089 grant will cover the cost of two energy advisors to continue providing a service to tenants of seven registered social landlords operating across Edinburgh for a further two years.

The service will help households to address fuel poverty and increase energy efficiency. This can include assisting with applications for subsidies and funding to help with bills. The Energy Advisors may also liaise with energy providers to ensure the best deal and help resolve any disputes on the customer’s behalf.

Households who can benefit from the funding are those who rent a home from one of the seven locally-based ARCHIE partners. Alongside Harbour Homes, the project partners are Lister Housing Co-operative, Manor Estates Housing Association, Muirhouse Housing Association, Prospect Community Housing, Viewpoint Housing Association and West Granton Housing Co-operative.

Fiona Whitelaw, tenant advice team leader at Harbour Homes, said: “Our Energy Advisors will continue to build on the work we’ve been doing across Edinburgh to advise and advocate for tenants whose quality of life is impacted by high energy costs or energy debts.”

Claire Ironside, CEO of Manor Estates Housing Association and chair of ARCHIE, said: “We are delighted that Harbour Homes, as the lead partner in this project, has successfully secured further funding to ensure that the tenants of all partners benefit from the energy advice service that can be provided as a result.”

Kevin Wilson, housing services manager at Harbour Homes, said: “I’m proud of the hard work our Tenant Advice Team has put into securing this funding on behalf of ARCHIE. Sharing resources with our fellow ARCHIE partners helps to provide value for money and keep rents affordable.”