Question reference: S5O-01821
- Asked by: Christina McKelvie, MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 21 February 2018
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 1 March 2018
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce fuel poverty.
Answer
This Government has always prioritised tackling fuel poverty, and is committed to ensuring that everyone in Scotland lives in a warm home that is affordable to heat.
We have recently consulted on a new, long-term fuel poverty strategy, with a definition of fuel poverty that is more focussed on those vulnerable to cold-related health impacts and those most in need. Responses to the consultation are being analysed and will inform the Warm Homes Bill that we plan to introduce to Parliament later this year.
We are on track to deliver our 2016 Programme for Government commitment to make half a billion pounds available for fuel poverty and energy efficiency over the 4 years to 2021, and by this date we will have allocated over £1 billion since 2009 to support these issues.