This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fight against fuel poverty on Tayside
29/04/2002
A partnership in Dundee aiming to reduce fuel poverty in
the city received a pledge of financial support today.
First Minister Jack McConnell announced - during a visit
to Dundee's Ardler Estate with Social Justice Minister Iain
Gray - that the Executive will provide £200,000 funding for
the Dundee Community Energy Partnership over the next three
years.
The partnership in Ardler, also covering Kirkton,
Hilltown and Mid Craigie/Linlathen, plans to survey all
Dundee's housing stock area by area. Homes will then be
offered advice and energy improvement packages when
identified as in need of assistance with insulation for
energy efficiency or fuel costs.
Mr McConnell said:
"I am delighted to announce today support for a
public/private partnership that will make a real difference
across Dundee city by helping people out of fuel poverty.
Improving fuel efficiency will lower household heating
bills and leave a lasting legacy for future
generations.
"I believe it is particularly fitting that I should be
making this announcement during a visit to the Ardler
Estate which is a shining example of partnership in action
and shows just what can be achieved by communities working
together. This estate will be transformed over the next
seven years into an attractive, vibrant and desirable place
to live.
"Already, residents have seen enormous differences and I
was struck by the tremendous sense of community spirit. The
regeneration work here is also helping first-time buyers
get onto the property ladder. Of the 115 properties that
have been sold to date, 81 went to first-time buyers and 77
were bought by people from outwith the estate. This clearly
shows that the estate is on the up - Ardler is becoming a
much more desirable area in which to live.
"The funding announced today will help to close the
opportunity gap still further by ensuring that Dundee
residents across the city - not just in Ardler - have
access to energy advice and information about grants to
make their home a warmer and cheaper place to live."
Mr Gray said:
"Social Inclusion Partnerships are now making a
difference throughout Scotland. Each one of the 48 SIPs is
working to help the most needy in our society to improve
their quality of life. By encouraging local residents to
get involved in the transformation of their communities,
SIPs allow local people to drive the improvements and give
an increasing sense of community ownership.
"The Executive is committed to reducing fuel poverty and
the money announced by the First Minister today will help
those who cannot afford to adequately heat their
homes."
In December 2000, Ardler tenants voted in favour of
transferring the housing stock from Dundee City Council to
the housing association Sanctuary Scotland. There was an
87.5 per cent turnout in the ballot and 95.5 per cent voted
in favour of the transfer. Work is currently ongoing to
demolish almost all the flats, maisonettes and high-rise
units. Around 1,000 new homes will be built - 734 for
affordable rent and the remainder for sale, including 115
for low cost home ownership. The work is expected to take
around seven years to complete.
The Executive has invested £23 million to guarantee
Ardler's regeneration, with a further £4 million from
Communities Scotland and £34 million of private sector
funding.
The Dundee Community Energy Partnership is a partnership
between Dundee City Council, Transco and Scottish and
Southern Energy.