External Wall Insulation in Redcraigs and Blackcraigs

Householders in Redcraigs and Blackcraigs are being offered external wall insulation by Fife Council through the Scottish Government’s ‘Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland (Area Based Scheme)’.  External wall insulation is being offered here as the houses in this area do not have a cavity wall, and so insulated boards are fitted to the outside of the property.  Each year the council allocates these funds to several areas across Fife – in Kirkcaldy last year it was Ravenscraig flats, and this year it’s Redcraigs and Blackcraigs.

External wall insulation greatly increases the ability of the building to retain heat, which means using less gas or electricity to stay warm.  An end terrace house, heated with electric storage heaters, can expect to have a warmer house and see their bills go down by as much as £475. Insulated boards are fitted to the outside of the property, and sealed with a weatherproof harling.

Council tenants are having the work done at no cost to them. Home-owners are being asked to contribute £525 towards the cost of the work.  Private tenants will have to seek their landlord’s permission to get the work carried out. We are aware that some householders in the area were able to get this same work done for nothing last year.  This work was carried out by private companies that had access to funding from the energy companies and due to the way the funding worked, it was carried out haphazardly across the estate with electrically heated homes prioritised.  This Council back scheme guarantees anyone who wants the work, will get it done.

The average cost of carrying out this work is £10,000 so this is a highly subsidised offer, and this contribution allows the council to guarantee all houses in the area can be insulated.  Interest free loans are available to allow installation at no upfront cost, with repayments spread over several years.  Some householders may be eligible for a grant to cover the cost of the contribution, meaning they can have the work done at no cost.  Eligibility will be based on qualifying for certain benefits or tax credits.

This is a great opportunity for households to make their homes warmer, reduce their heating costs and improve the value of their home.  With the interest free loan offer and the grants for eligible residents, we hope that all the houses in Redcraigs and Blackcraigs will be insulated this winter, as this would be a big step towards a greener, and cosier, Kirkcaldy.

If you’ve got any questions or worries about the scheme, want to find out if you could be eligible for the grant or need help filling out the loan form, contact us on 01592 858458, or come into our High Street Hub, Wednesday-Saturday 10am – 4pm.

If you want to go ahead and book a survey, phone Everwarm on 01506 638600.