A £1.3m bid has been launched in an attempt to help 14,000 homes primarily in Grangemouth, Denny and Bonnybridge stay warm this winter.

A meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee today heard how the proposals are similar to a successful bid that was won last year where 2000 homes in Larbert and Stenhousemuir benefitted from free cavity wall and loft insulation.

The areas selected typically show the highest levels of ‘fuel poverty’ where expenditure on gas and electricity is disproportionate to the household income. The scheme is targeted at privately owned properties, although the funding bid also includes a number of mixed-tenure blocks throughout the Council area.

Cllr Craig Martin, Convener of Policy and Resources said: ‘With rising fuel prices across the country we are attempting to see those who are in real need of support can get access to loft and wall insulation that could make a real difference to their household budgets.

‘We expect to hear later this month if we have been successful and will commence work as soon as practical to do so.’

The funding is part of a Scottish Government fund of £12.5m available to all Scottish local authorities.

To find out more about home energy advice contact the Council’s energy advice team on 01324 590780.