Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) is to tackle fuel poverty after it was successful in winning a grant from the Scottish Government.

SBHA secured a grant of £53,505 from the Peoples and Communities Fund and will work with Changeworks on a number of initiatives.

Mike Wagner from SBHA said: “We asked tenants in our Tenant Satisfaction Survey to tell us if they have problems with fuel bills and understanding how their heating systems work. Seventy-three percent of our tenants told us they would be interested in finding out how to reduce their energy bills with a further 34 per cent requesting help with budgeting and managing food waste.

“We’re delighted our bid was successful and very grateful to receive this government money which will enable us, through Changeworks, to work with our 5,663 Tenants providing rebates for those Tenants who are eligible, making the most efficient use of heating systems and securing the best deal from energy companies.”

Changeworks will be carrying out a roadshow for SBHA tenants on managing fuel costs and debt as well as a ‘Kitchen Canny’ which provides workshops on household management and the reduction of waste.

@ChangeworksUK