Glasgow City Council is set to receive over £6.8 million in funding from the Scottish Government to help households reduce fuel poverty. The grant, distributed through the long-running Heat in Buildings: Area Based Schemes (HiBs:ABS), is aimed at improving energy efficiency and lowering heating bills for residents in some of the city’s most deprived areas.
The HiBs:ABS scheme, now in its 13th year, works by supporting homeowners and private renters with insulation, external wall upgrades, and heating system improvements. These measures are designed to boost a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating to at least band C, cutting down on wasted energy and helping families to lower household bills.
Targeting those most at risk
Glasgow’s new funding will be focused on households identified through the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (2020) and properties in council tax bands A to C, with some support for band D homes in particular circumstances. The council will also direct funding towards mixed tenure blocks managed by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), ensuring vulnerable residents have the chance to live in warmer, more efficient homes.
Older housing, including the city’s pre-1919 tenements, will also benefit from the scheme. By following a “fabric first” approach, the council hopes to insulate walls and roofs before upgrading heating and hot water systems with more efficient or low-carbon alternatives.
Expert view: Why dual fuel tariffs matter
While insulation and government grants play a major role, households also need to explore other routes to reduce their bills. Andrea Troy, Director of Products & Services at Free Price Compare, explained that supplier choice is just as important as efficiency measures:
“Families in Glasgow can and should make the most of council support, but there are still opportunities to save money by looking at the wider energy market. Many people assume they’re stuck on standard tariffs, but you can often save by choosing a dual fuel tariff Even small differences in unit rates or standing charges can add up to big yearly savings.”
Combining grants with market options
Glasgow residents who do not qualify for HiBs:ABS funding can still take steps to bring costs down. Using comparison services can help households find the cheapest energy deals available. These might include providers offering competitive green energy tariffs or flexible renewable energy deals that appeal to households keen to cut both costs and carbon footprints.
Switching supplier is not only for those on standard variable tariffs. Fixed-rate plans can shield households from sudden market rises, while dual fuel packages often prove cheaper for homes that use both gas and electricity. Many residents are surprised at the savings available once they compare options and take the step to switch.
Practical steps for Glasgow households
Alongside the new £6.8m investment, households across the city can act now to save money:
- Use comparison services to review tariffs and secure the best available deals.
- Check whether they qualify for the Warm Home Discount or Winter Fuel Payment.
- Explore suppliers offering competitive fixed rates or perks such as free smart meters.
- Consider low-carbon green energy tariffs that are increasingly priced in line with conventional deals.
Looking ahead to 2045
This funding is part of Scotland’s wider plan to make existing buildings near zero carbon by 2045. For Glasgow, that means cutting fuel poverty today while supporting long-term climate goals. By combining government-backed programmes with individual action such as reviewing tariffs and considering dual fuel bundles, households can take back control of their energy bills.
As Andrea Troy notes, “Energy efficiency and supplier choice go hand in hand. Together, they give people the best chance of staying warm, saving money, and preparing for a low-carbon future.”
