Council houses without high quality insulation are set to be transformed with Falkirk Council committing £500,000 over the next year to bring 3700 properties up to a high standard of energy efficiency.

A recent meeting of Falkirk Council’s Housing and Social Care committee backed future plans that will see a range of new measures introduced as part of its new ‘Home Energy Policy’.

They also include:

• An expansion of the Combined Heat and Power system to tower blocks in Callendar Estate due to its status as an area of high fuel poverty
• More modern gas central heating systems to be installed (where practical) bringing savings and greater fuel efficiency for tenants
• Improvements to properties of non traditional construction that can place occupiers in greater danger of fuel poverty

The policy aims to improve energy efficiencies as well as minimise and eradicate fuel poverty; encourage improvements to properties; look at new technologies; reduce greenhouse gases and; seek external funding sources.

Cllr Jim Blackwood Convener of Housing and Social Care said: ‘Everyone is facing up to higher domestic fuel charges and as a responsible social landlord, we have a responsibility to ensure that we maximise every opportunity to improve energy efficiency.

‘We are also working towards eradicating fuel poverty, a position that unfortunately more and more people are finding themselves in today.

‘By adopting a wide ranging of approaches we are confident that we are doing the very best to help everyone to be able to face the forthcoming energy challenges.’