Tackling Rural and Island Fuel Poverty

Arran’s MSP Kenneth Gibson writes:

A new group has been established to find ways of making it easier and more affordable for people in rural and island Scotland to heat their homes. The new Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force, which had its inaugural meeting on 20 August, will explore the issues facing people in fuel poverty and prepare a report on its findings over the next year.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess made the announcement in Orkney where she met the council to discuss the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: Area Based Schemes (HEEPS: ABS). Mrs Burgess said:

“People in rural and island communities often struggle to heat their homes because their properties tend to be more exposed to wind and weather and are more expensive to heat as the majority are not connected to mains gas supplies. It is unacceptable for people to face these fuel poverty challenges just because of where they live.

“Our new Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force will identify solutions specifically tailored to help people in rural and island communities reduce their fuel costs and keep their homes warm.

“We are committed to making sure everyone has access to an affordable warm home, and are investing heavily in energy efficiency schemes. Our £65 million for HEEPS: ABS is directed to those most in need of assistance.

“People will benefit from energy efficiency measures such as cavity wall and loft insulation while the Home Energy Scotland hotline continues to offer free and impartial advice on how people can reduce their energy costs. By ensuring that islanders and people in more rural parts of Scotland have the same opportunities to make their homes warmer, cheaper and easier to heat we are taking a further step in tackling inequalities.”

The new group chair is Di Alexander, former Rural and Islands Housing Associations Forum chair who will build on the SNP Government’s on-going work. Ms Alexander added:

“Affordable warmth is a problem for too many rural and island households, especially in doubly disadvantaged off-gas areas. The job of the Task Force is to develop practical, deliverable solutions and I’m delighted we have so much problem-solving experience to draw upon.”

Arran’s MSP Kenneth Gibson goes on to say:

“As with so many island communities tackling fuel poverty on Arran is crucial as we will soon head into another winter.

“We must avoid one-size-fits-all solutions and I’m delighted that the SNP Government has demonstrated its willingness to build flexibility into the HEEPS: ABS scheme so that it better meets the specific needs of Arran and its communities.”

More information on energy efficiency is available at Home Energy Scotland website or by calling the free telephone number 0808 808 2282.