A new bill which will set targets to reduce fuel poverty in Scotland is “too narrowly focused” and will fail to address the “scandal” of cold, damp homes, according to campaigners. While welcoming the introduction of the Fuel Poverty (Targets, Strategy and Definition) (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament yesterday, the Existing Homes Alliance said it fears that the Parliament could miss a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity unless amendments are made. Last month a group of 50 civil society and business organisations launched a joint statement calling for a real Warm Homes Bill that would deliver affordable to heat, low carbon homes for everyone in Scotland. Such legislation would help end fuel poverty, create new jobs and investment, and tackle climate change. A Warm Homes Bill tackling both fuel poverty and energy efficiency was promised in the SNP manifesto for the last Holyrood elections, and has broad cross-party support, though the Scottish Government has thus far introduced a Fuel Poverty Bill. Alliance chair Lori McElroy said: “More than a quarter of Scottish households are still living in fuel poverty – the same proportion who faced cold homes a decade ago – and over a million homes fall below the energy efficiency standard needed for our health. All political parties agree this is unacceptable. “While legislation on fuel poverty is very welcome, this bill is far too narrow, focused just on creating a new definition of fuel poverty and setting new fuel poverty targets. This is incredibly important, but we can do so much more. We urge all MSPs to use the scrutiny process to ensure this legislation is strengthened so it can deliver on the promise of warm homes for all.” Lori McElroy added: “It is not often that such a wide range of voices from across Scotland come together in such a powerful way. There is a broad, growing consensus across society, business, and among politicians that we need to take real action on fuel poverty and energy efficiency. “Bringing Scotland’s homes up to a standard of energy efficiency will tackle fuel poverty and climate change, reduce ill-health, improve well-being, reduce inequalities, and create and sustain jobs across Scotland. It is quite simply one of the best investments that the Scottish Government could make.”
Scottish Housing News 28th June 2018 read more »
