Written Question · S3W-14055 · Session 3
What plans it has to improve support for people in fuel poverty, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled, in light …
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve support for people in fuel poverty, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled, in light of increased energy prices.
The answer
The Fuel Poverty review published on 22 May by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing highlights that the fuel poverty programmes established by the previous administration are failing Scotland’s fuel poor; a situation exacerbated by the current high fuel prices. The Cabinet Secretary set out the actions that the Scottish Government will take to improve support for people in fuel poverty and get back on track to meet the 2016 fuel poverty target:
Re-establish the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum under an independent chair to advise on options for future policy direction;
Prioritise the Central Heating Programme waiting list with immediate effect to give priority to the fuel poor, and allow headroom for reform;
Extend the benefits health check to Warm Deal applicants, and
Partner with Scottish Hydro Electric to secure £1.5 million Carbon Emissions Reduction Target funds to complement the Scottish fuel poverty programmes.
Re-establish the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum under an independent chair to advise on options for future policy direction;
Prioritise the Central Heating Programme waiting list with immediate effect to give priority to the fuel poor, and allow headroom for reform;
Extend the benefits health check to Warm Deal applicants, and
Partner with Scottish Hydro Electric to secure £1.5 million Carbon Emissions Reduction Target funds to complement the Scottish fuel poverty programmes.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-14055 by reference.