Angela Crawley MP has welcomed moves by the Scottish Government to tackle fuel poverty in Lanark and Hamilton East by making homes and businesses warmer and cheaper.

Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) Pathfinder Fund will see over £9 million given to local authorities in order to drive down energy bills and tackle climate change.

This includes £597,013 to be spent in South Lanarkshire, where External Wall Insulation will be provided in 232 owned homes and 163 council properties in Law, Hamilton, Forth and East Kilbride.

South Lanarkshire will also see internal lighting in three NHS buildings and the council headquarters replaced with LED lighting to reduce energy usage.

Ms Crawley said: “Since 2008 the Scottish Government has committed to tackling fuel poverty, with over one million energy efficiency measures installed in almost one million households, making these homes warmer and easier to heat.

“Yet many families in Lanark and Hamilton East still worry about heating their homes in winter, so we still have some way to go in ending fuel poverty in Scotland.

“The SEEP pilot projects are very welcome, and will build on existing support for households as well as improving the efficiency of community centres, charities, businesses and commercial properties.

“Having a warmer home this winter will make a huge difference for the households under the scheme – it will mean being able to afford having the heating on for longer without worrying about an inflated energy bill.” ENDS