Scottish Government slammed for spending less than third of £1.8bn cash pot for green home heating

Scottish Government Criticised for Spending Less Than a Third of £1.8bn Green Home Heating Fund

The Scottish Government is under fire for only using a fraction of the £1.8 billion allocated to decarbonize homes and buildings in the country. The fund was intended to speed up the shift from traditional boilers to cleaner heating options and boost a nationwide insulation scheme. However, it has been revealed that only around £575 million has been spent so far out of the total commitment.

Domestic heating contributes significantly to Scotland’s carbon emissions, with the government’s Heat in Buildings strategy aiming to ensure all homes meet new energy standards by 2033 and switch to green energy systems like heat pumps and solar power by 2045. Despite these goals, critics claim that progress has been slow, especially after the target to have a million low-carbon homes by 2030 was scrapped.

Labour MSP Sarah Boyack raised concerns about the government’s lack of action, highlighting the missed opportunities to create jobs, reduce emissions, and improve living conditions for households. Industry experts, including the Existing Homes Alliance, echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment in the government’s approach.

Various stakeholders in the sector emphasised the need for substantial investment and clear strategies to tackle fuel poverty, enhance energy efficiency, and combat climate change effectively. Calls were made for the government to uphold its commitment to allocate the full £1.8 billion during this parliamentary term to drive progress in decarbonizing buildings and supporting households.

Key figures, such as Josiah Lockhart of Changeworks, underscored the importance of sustained investment to lower energy costs for households and address the climate emergency. They also stressed the necessity of providing essential services like energy advice and support to help homeowners transition to greener heating solutions.

Amidst growing pressure, Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan defended the government’s Heat in Buildings strategy, highlighting the ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and support communities. He assured that a significant portion of the allocated funds had been earmarked for critical initiatives, with further budget allocations to be outlined in the upcoming Scottish Government draft budget.

As the nation strives to meet its climate targets and improve the energy efficiency of residential properties, stakeholders are urging the Scottish Government to accelerate its actions, allocate resources efficiently, and collaborate with industry partners to drive meaningful change.

**Insights and Summary:**

The article sheds light on the Scottish Government’s slow progress in utilizing allocated funds to decarbonize homes and buildings, raising concerns about missed opportunities and inadequate planning. Stakeholders are advocating for increased investment, clearer strategies, and stronger commitments to address fuel poverty, reduce emissions, and drive the transition to greener heating solutions. This highlights the importance of effective governance, collaboration with industry stakeholders, and prioritizing sustainability to achieve long-term environmental goals and enhance community well-being.