Great news for homeowners in Scotland looking to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions — the Scottish Government intends to simplify the application process for heat pump grants.

Heat pumps are central to Scotland’s strategy for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to low-carbon heating. The upcoming changes will make it easier for households to access funding and support for installing energy-efficient heating systems.

Why Heat Pumps Matter for Scotland’s Climate Goals

Heating homes and buildings is the third-largest source of carbon emissions in Scotland. To address this, the government is stepping up efforts to make clean heating more accessible and affordable. In 2025–26 alone, £300 million will be invested to help 20,000 households install energy efficiency and low-carbon heating measures, potentially saving up to £500 per year on energy bills.

Key Updates Announced

According to the Scottish Government’s 2025–26 Programme for Government, the upcoming changes include:

• A simplified grant and loan application process, helping households more easily access support.
• Home Energy Scotland will serve as the single access point for advice and applications.
• A new Heat in Buildings Bill will set targets for clean heating installations by 2045 and support the growth of heat networks.
• Continued advocacy for a UK-wide Social Tariff to protect vulnerable consumers from high energy costs.

These changes aim to make climate action more accessible, while addressing issues like fuel poverty, energy affordability, and environmental justice.

Loco Home Insights

When interviewed for The Herald, Chris Carus, CEO of Loco Home Retrofit, welcomed the simplified process but warned that 2045 is too late for full decarbonisation of heating:

“This year will mark 10 years since the Paris Agreement committed nations to eliminating fossil fuels fast enough to avoid 2C warming, and for a fair deal between developed and developing countries.

“It’s good to see the Scottish Government repeat its intention to introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill. However, the new proposals are a disappointing retreat from the quite sensible proposals they put forward for consultation in 2023. Those proposals centred on upgrading heating when moving to a new home — the best time to make a change.

“Removing fossil fuel heating by 2045 is far too late and does not fit with our international climate justice obligations. Telling homeowners they don’t need to act for 20 years means there is no new stimulus for the market today. As a social enterprise in the green economy, we’re facing an uncertain future while households receive mixed messages from the government about the need for action. A hostile, unstable climate will be the real penalty for slow action on climate change.

“Insulating our homes and electrifying our heating has huge benefits for people in terms of comfort, bills and health. So we welcome the commitment to simplify the grant and loan scheme. The existing process is deterring both households and contractors.

“Heat pumps can provide greater comfort and significant cost savings. There is no ‘penalising’ homeowners, provided that contractors have the right skills and households have good independent advice.”

Chris also emphasised the importance of independent advice and skilled contractors, calling for more support to local services like Loco Home in Glasgow and west central Scotland.

“We also encourage the Scottish Government to signpost households to local one stop shops such as Loco Home, which provides expert independent surveys and insured, bespoke advice.”

Read The Herald‘s full article here

What This Means for You

If you’re considering installing a heat pump or upgrading your home’s heating system, these changes could make it easier and more affordable to make the switch. With rising energy costs and climate goals on the horizon, now is the time to explore your options.

Loco Home is the retrofit one stop shop for Greater Glasgow and central Scotland. We provide advice and we can find the right installer for you. Contact our team today for independent home energy assessments and guidance.

Ready to lower your bills and your carbon footprint?
Get in touch today on 0141 266 0321 or enquire directly by filling this form where you can learn if you are eligible for funding and grants.

Explore our services to learn more.