Tenements consultation seeks to boost communal heating schemes

A Scottish Government consultation has been launched on using powers in the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 to support the installation of district and communal heating services to help alleviate fuel poverty.

Mnisters are inviting views on proposed regulations that would simplify how district and communal heating systems are installed in the common parts of tenements across Scotland. The regulations would prescribe services for which an owner of a flat is entitled to lead pipes, cables or other equipment through common parts of a tenement.

The regulations make installation of heating infrastructure easier for the owner of a flat by creating a procedure which allows for any neighbours who wish to object an opportunity to outline their objections.

In many cases this work is carried out as part of work to alleviate fuel poverty and install more efficient and environmentally friendly heating systems. 

The consultation, which runs for 12 weeks, also asks for views on the installation of gas pipes in common parts of tenements.

Click here to view the consultation. Responses are due by 5pm on 14 April 2016.