Recommendation 27

Clearly the Scottish Government cannot finance the expense of decarbonising every home in Scotland, and the CCP notes the important role that private investment and finance will have. The Government can seek to remove barriers to people obtaining finance, and the Committee heard a number of practical suggestions. It has not explored these in detail but recommends that the Scottish Government considers and responds to these:
Retrospective applications for heat pump grants, given that heating systems are often replaced in emergency situations (for example after breaking down during winter months).
Widening the eligibility for grants beyond heat pumps, for example to other technologies such as air-to-air heat pumps on a case by case basis.
A 'help to retrofit' scheme for older homeowners where costs are covered on the sale of a property.