20% increase in fuel poverty budget announced

Health Secretary and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today announced the Scottish Government's new approach to fuel poverty including increased investment in improving energy efficiency.

The package which will be funded by £55.8 million a year – a 20% increase on existing fuel poverty budgets – aims to help increase incomes for the fuel poor, reduce their fuel bills and improve the energy efficiency of homes.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament Ms Sturgeon said:   "Our six-point plan for the Scottish economy includes helping households experiencing difficulties in the current economic climate.    "We are determined to improve energy efficiency in homes, do more to tackle fuel poverty and offer better financial advice to vulnerable households.  

"Our review of fuel poverty in Scotland published in May made for sober reading: fuel poverty on the increase despite huge investment in programmes across Scotland; rural communities struggling and not being well served by existing programmes.

"We have carefully considered the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum's report and agree with their key recommendation for the Scottish Government to implement an Energy Assistance Package. A root and branch change is needed, so we will act.  
 
"The Energy Assistance Package will improve on the existing fuel poverty programmes by reaching more people, providing a wider range of support in one integrated package, and beginning to tackle rural fuel poverty more effectively."

Commenting on Nicola Surgeon's announcement Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris said it was a significant package that would help the one million Scots designated as fuel poor.

Commenting Mr Doris said:

"At a time when Scottish households face rocketing fuel bills it is extremely welcome that the SNP Government is focussed on this issue and it shows its commitment to doing all that it can, within the powers that are available, to tackle fuel poverty.

Today's announcements are a move from a well intentioned attempt by the last executive to a strategic and well organised approach by the current Government.  

"The SNP were elected on a platform of making Scotland fairer and healthier and this package – with a 20% increase in its budget – shows how we are focussed on that aim.

"This statement adds to our announcement of an extra £10 million of funding for the free central heating programme this year and its expansion from next year to include young families who may be at risk of fuel poverty this winter.  

"Alongside today's announcement the Scottish Government is also working hard to ensure a fair share of the money for the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) is spent in Scotland.

"While the SNP Government is using its powers to tackle fuel poverty, the UK Government must act to support people struggling to pay their bills this winter with an extra £100 for pensioners, a VAT holiday this winter to help all households with high prices and reduced VAT on all energy efficiency measures.

"It is also very welcome that the Scottish Government is also working hard to ensure a fair share of the money for the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). It is a move from a well intentioned attempt by the last executive to a strategic and well organised approach by the current Government.

"Today's announcement  shows the SNP is focussed on the needs of families and the vulnerable in Scotland this winter. Will Labour now do their part?"