As well as adding double glazing and insulation, he has turned the heating right down.

BBC: How warm is your home?

It will pay for the installation of things like double glazing and solid wall insulation.

BBC: Funding of ?60m to target fuel poverty areas in Scotland

The money raised would go towards installing double glazing, a new floor, toilets and heating, said Mr Steel.

BBC: Kirkheaton vicar's ?10 handout raises thousands

Edinburgh researchers claim it could be as effective as fitting double glazing.

BBC: Shutters and curtains 'act as double glazing'

Improvements will include the creation of a wood and bike storage area, double glazing, a new roof and the installation of solar panels.

BBC: Black Sail hostel in Cumbria to get ?260,000 revamp

It said basic energy-efficiency measures such as loft and cavity insulation, double glazing and new boilers had prevented up to 35, 000 Scottish households from falling into fuel poverty over the past year.

BBC: Fuel poverty affecting more Scottish households

Then he was off, dabbling in businesses ranging from the Miss World competition to double-glazing.

ECONOMIST: Living on his wits | The