Fuel Poverty Forum calls for holistic approach
10 Oct 08
Significant investment needed if ministers to meet statutory target - report
Significant additional funds must be committed if the Scottish Government is to meet its statutory target of eradicating fuel poverty by 2016, accoring to the Scotish Fuel Poverty Forum.
A report published today, Towards 2016 - The Future of Fuel Poverty Policy in Scotland, follows a thorough review by the Forum, which represents all interests in the energy sector, of current policy and programmes which have an impact on fuel poverty. The review was commissioned in May by Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, who asked for a strategy that made the most effective use of existing resources.
The principal recommendation is a new Energy Assistance Package, including advice on energy tariffs, a benefits and tax credit check, and energy efficiency improvements for those struggling most to heat their homes and pay their energy bills.
The Forum adopted a holistic approach, considering all contributory factors such as energy efficiency and energy use, energy prices and tariffs, and incomes. It also aimed to maximise funding from different sources by developing synergies between them and, given funding constraints, to direct assistance where it would make the most impact.
While it recognised that significant steps had been taken towards tackling fuel poverty in recent years, the Forum concluded that the time was right to modify the approach taken. The proposed package will include advice on tariffs to address the energy prices people pay, a benefit and tax credit check to maximise their income, and an energy audit with follow up to provide physical means of reducing their energy use.
However, the Forum warns that this package alone will not achieve the 2016 target. In addition, it believes a step change in investment as soon as possible is required. The UK Government, Scottish Government, energy companies and others must also continue to work together (including the energy efficiency