Expand the scope of things that are funded

It should be possible to spend the money on anything that needs doing where there is overall benefit.

Why the contribution is important

At the moment, funds cannot be spent on anything that is a statuory duty of the local authority, or anything where there is substantial personal benefit.  So there is no money to repair the roads, and we cannot fund insulation works to help lift people out of fuel poverty.

The first of these has an obvious wider benefit, but is a statutory.  The second has a n obvious personal benefit, but is a necessary step in Scotland achieving its climate plan. Poor people are not able to make the investment to save money, and generally are reluctant to borrow too.

I suspect that there are other wothwhile causes that are not permitted too.

by hnoj5591 on March 09, 2026 at 08:10AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 3.2
Based on: 4 votes

Comments

  • Posted by ERCAD March 09, 2026 at 13:44

    Glasgow City Region Local Authorities have published a Housing Retrofit Position Statement (https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/[…]025_002.pdf?m=1765809553280) which includes a desire to establish a One Stop Shop (OSS), also referred to as a retrofit agency (RA).

    Households will require trusted information, advice and, in many cases, hands-on support to
    retrofit their homes. While households in fuel poverty can access end-to-end support via
    Warmer Homes Scotland, Area Based Scheme and ECO funding routes, there are significant
    gaps in advice and support provision for those deemed “able-to-pay” and for tenants and
    owners in complex, multi-owned properties. The Council believes a key requirement for home
    retrofit at scale will be the creation of an ecosystem of organisations that can fulfil a handholding role for the diverse range of households in the city.
    A One Stop Shop (OSS), also referred to as a retrofit agency (RA), can address the barriers faced
    by homeowners and private landlords upgrading their properties, in particular the lack of
    technical and financing knowledge and the complexity of managing projects that may involve
    several contractors or trades. The core function of the OSS/RA is to provide knowledge, finance
    support and tradespeople to enable successful retrofit.

    I believe that community funding should be able to support the provision of such a service that provides benefit to the community. This could be limited to geographical areas as required by the scope of the funding (covered in other comments within this consultation).

  • Posted by LeanK March 20, 2026 at 10:35

    There are proposals within current windfarm applications where social enterprise energy partnerships will be formed that will provide advice and energy efficiency investment into private houses within the eligible area these can be done within the existing guidance if planned and developed in the application and consultation process. They require time and strategic partnership working.

  • Posted by LeanK March 20, 2026 at 10:56

    There are proposals within current windfarm applications where a social enterprise energy partnerships will be formed that will provide advice and energy efficiency investment into private houses within the eligible area, these can be done within the existing guidance if planned and developed in the application and consultation process. They require time and strategic partnership working with the Council and communities and developer and could provide long term benefits and help with a just Transition..
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas