A Northern Isles MSP has pledged to improve residents’ lives as part of a Fuel Poverty Bill making its way through the Scottish Parliament. Liam McArthur, who represents Orkney and Shetland, is calling for a Minimum Income Standard
Energy Voice 27th Dec 2018 read more »
Liam McArthur, who represents Orkney, is calling for a Minimum Income Standard – reflecting the higher costs of living in the north. As part of evidence sessions in the Scottish Parliament towards a Fuel Poverty Bill, the Liberal Democrat MSP pressed the Scottish Government to take proper account of the needs of rural and island areas. Mr McArthur reminded housing minister Kevin Stewart of the over-whelming evidence and support for the bill to include a remote rural Minimum Income Standard as part of the proposed new definition of fuel poverty. He reiterated concerns from a range of experts and organisations about the failure to account for contrasting levels of disposable income in different parts of Scotland. Mr McArthur said: “The scourge of fuel poverty affects every community, but there is no getting away from the fact that rural and island areas are disproportionately affected.
Press & Journal 27th Dec 2018 read more »
