Schools in Horsforth and Aireborough will benefit from a share of £500,000 of Government backed funding to improve energy efficiency.

Horsforth School, Guiseley Technology College, Queensway Primary School, in Yeadon, and Tranmere Park Primary in Guiseley will have work carried out between September and December.

The RE-Fit programme allows public sector organisations to bid for funding that will improve energy efficiency.

The funding comes from a company called Salix Finance who are funded by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) who offer interest-free loans to the public sector. The money will pay for work such as boiler replacements, cavity wall installation and lighting replacements.

Councillor Paul Wadsworth, Shadow Executive Board Member for Environmental Services and ward member for Guiseley and Rawdon, said: “I am really pleased that we have again been successful with a bid to the RE-Fit programme and can now move ahead to delivering the scheme.

“Often the return on investment is excellent with these schemes, largely as a result of the energy cost savings that can be generated following installation.

“On this scheme, which will benefit nine schools across the city including schools in my ward, it is estimated that the Council will make savings of £99k per annum which will enable the interest-free loan to be paid back within the set timescale with a surplus likely to be generated.

“It is really good to see that these schools will benefit from reduced energy costs.

“I am pleased that the Government continues to look at innovative ways to deliver energy saving schemes.

“RE-Fit is a good example of how the government, working with Leeds City Council and the private sector, can make an impact in Leeds, this is a really positive scheme.”

In the past Leeds City Council has secured RE-FIT programmes to the value of £2m.