Heat in Buildings: progress report 2026

Ministerial foreword

I am pleased to publish the first annual report on progress on the Heat in Buildings Strategy of this parliamentary term, and my first as Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy.

This report summarises the progress made over the past year. It shows that fuel poverty has reduced, more homes in Scotland are becoming energy efficient and an increasing proportion of new and existing homes are using clean heat compared to 2019. Our national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland, has also reached a significant milestone – supporting its 50,000^th household in February this year. I am also pleased to report that, this year, we have installed the highest ever number of heat pumps through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme. This has all been underpinned by significant Government investment, and it is especially pleasing to see a significant increase in investment in heat networks through our Heat Network Fund.

We will continue to fund our delivery programmes, offering some of the most generous grants and loans in the UK, to provide the support homeowners, landlords and tenants need to transition to clean heating in a fair and affordable way. We estimate that our support schemes in Scotland have saved thousands of households between £300 and £500 a year. That is evidence of how we are using our limited powers to help where we can.

The UK Government promised to cut people’s bills by £300, but the price cap announced at the end of August 2026 means bills will now be around £300 higher – placing additional pressure on families already struggling with their household budgets. It is obvious that it is only with the full powers of independence that we can ensure that the people of Scotland finally benefit from being an energy rich country. If the UK Government will not act then they should deliver us the powers we need to help the people of Scotland.

Stephen Gethins MSP

Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy