10 October 2011
Rhoda Grant MSP, Shadow Minister for Finance and Infrastructure, has expressed concern as to whether the Government will meet the 2016 target to eradicate Fuel Poverty.
Answers to a series of questions tabled in the Parliament do not reiterate the Government’s commitment to the target.
In his written answer Alex Neil said, "The remit of the Forum is to advise the Scottish Government on how it can improve progress towards the target to eradicate fuel poverty as far as is reasonably practicable by 2016, within the available public resources."
Rhoda Grant said "He has added two caveats to this commitment which should be inequivocal.
"This is extremely worrying given the cuts to the fuel poverty budget.
"Furthermore in an answer to John Wilson MSP yesterday the Cabinet Secretary said, "The fuel poverty targets, including the definition of fuel poverty, will be visited by the review."
Mrs Grant said,
"I am really concerned that the SNP Government are no longer committed to the target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016, and are now looking at changing the definition to hide their failure.
"This is changing the goal posts and the people who will lose out are the most vulnerable in our society."
Parliamentary Questions raised by Rhoda Grant on the issue
Finance and Sustainable Growth
6 October 2011
Rhoda Grant : To ask the Scottish Executive what the role is of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum.
Alex Neil: The remit of the forum is to advise the Scottish Government on how it can improve progress towards the target to eradicate fuel poverty as far as is reasonably practicable by 2016, within the available public resources. The forum will play a key role in informing our Review of Fuel Poverty Strategy.
Rhoda Grant : To ask the Scottish Executive when will it appoint a chair to the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum.
Alex Neil: I am happy to confirm that Professor David Sigsworth has agreed to take up the post of Chair of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum. He will be ably assisted by Norman Kerr, who has agreed to become Vice Chair.
Rhoda Grant : To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its target to eradicate fuel poverty by 2016.
Alex Neil: Scottish ministers remain committed to the target of eradicating, as far as is reasonably practicable, fuel poverty by 2016.
Rhoda Grant : To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to eradicate fuel poverty.
Alex Neil: The Scottish Government’s Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency programmes have made good progress in helping some of the most vulnerable households reduce their energy consumption. The programmes statistics can be found at:
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Scotland-Welcome-page/At-Home/Home-Energy-Scotland/Energy-Assistance-Package/Programme-Statistics
It is a disgrace however, that in energy rich Scotland, rising energy prices are limiting the programmes impacts in reducing fuel poverty.
Rhoda Grant : To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish an action plan on how it will meet its target of eradicating fuel poverty by 2016.
Alex Neil: I intend to undertake a Review of the Fuel Poverty Strategy that will examine how the target can be met taking account of ongoing energy price pressures.
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