Calls for UK Government to tackle fuel poverty with social energy tariff and support for rural communities
Gillian Martin MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy and Environment, has called on Westminster to support action to tackle fuel poverty.
Gillian Martin MSP, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy and Environment, has called on Westminster to support action to tackle fuel poverty – in line with recommendations made by the Rural and Islands Housing Association Forum (RIHAF).
In a letter to Amanda Solloway MP, Minister for Consumer Energy at Westminster, Gillian Martin MSP has repeated calls for the introduction of a social energy tariff, [noting the need to consider social tenants,] as well as support for rural communities through a new ‘gas equivalent’ tariff aimed at those who rely on more expensive forms of electric heating.
These same recommendations were also proposed within the RIHAF-supported A Perfect Storm report published earlier this year, and have been raised by SFHA members as part of a number of working groups chaired by the Minister. These solutions were also discussed at the recent RIHAF conference, attended by the Scottish Housing Minister.
The A Perfect Storm report recognises that a coordinate approach to tackling fuel poverty and issues facing rural communities is needed – with action needed from the Scottish and UK Government’s, as well as from the regulator Ofgem.
Ahead of the UK Government Autumn Statement, it’s positive to hear Scottish Government raising the same priorities as SFHA members. Engagement with the Scottish Government, UK Government and Ofgem will be ongoing as part of SFHA and RIHAF’s work to secure action on the recommendations outlined in the A Perfect Storm report and to help ensure that the voices of rural communities are heard at every level of government.