First Minister and Warmworks mark a decade of working for warmer, healthier homes

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney MSP, has hailed the “remarkable” efforts made by Warmworks in tackling fuel poverty, at a reception marking the organisation’s tenth anniversary.

Warmworks was established in 2015 as a joint venture partnership between Energy Saving Trust, Changeworks and Sureserve, tasked initially with delivering the Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland. Since then, the business has gone on to support nearly 50,000 homes across all of the work it delivers in Scotland – on average, almost 100 households every single week – to be warmer and save money on their energy bills over the last decade.

The reception, held at Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth, brought together those who have played a part in upgrading the energy efficiency of these homes as well as some of the people who have directly benefitted from the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme. Guests heard how customers who have been supported through the scheme are now saving on average more than £400 annually against their energy bills, the equivalent of putting the cost of one month’s groceries back in a family’s pocket.

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Over the past 10 years, Warmworks has exemplified my belief that compassion and climate action go hand in hand. By delivering the Scottish Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland programme and investment worth £350 million it has tackled fuel poverty, created more energy efficient houses and helped thousands of people stay warm in their homes without worrying as much about the bills – its record of achievement is truly remarkable. Along the way, hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships, and thousands of training opportunities have been created, developing the skills we need to transition to net zero.

“Milestones like this are a time to offer thanks and the perfect opportunity to look back with pride on all that has been achieved. Warmworks really is making a difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable people and their stories should inspire our future work together. We want people to be happier, healthier and wealthier, all of which starts with making sure their homes are warm and comfortable places to live.”

Ross Armstrong, Warmworks’ Chief Executive, said:

“It’s a significant moment for us to mark our first decade together, joining with our customers, partners and colleagues to reflect on what our collective efforts have made possible. We’ve been able to help nearly 50,000 homes and families to feel more confident about being warm in their own homes and to live with less fear about the next energy bill coming in.

“That’s been our first ten years, but with high energy prices still a worry for so many people, we know our work is far from done. The transition to net zero is one that can create opportunity for everyone to live in more energy efficient homes and our commitment is to make sure that our work reaches everyone who can benefit from it the most. Now it’s time to get started.”