Minister visits SFHA for discussion on fuel poverty
The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart MSP visited the SFHA office on Tuesday 7 August 2018.
Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart MSP visited the SFHA office on Tuesday 7 August 2018 to discuss the new Fuel Poverty Bill and proposed energy efficiency standards for existing housing.
In a meeting with SFHA Chief Executive Sally Thomas, Head of Public Affairs Sarah Boyack, and Policy Lead David Stewart, the Minister discussed issues including:
- How to address fuel poverty and provide affordable warmth to households;
- Investing in the energy efficiency of homes and how to fund that investment;
- The important role of advice and support for low income households;
- The need to invest in existing homes and the need for housing associations to be eligible for grant investment;
- The challenge of maintaining mixed tenure tenements; and
- The particular challenges faced in rural Scotland where winter is longer and colder and fuel more expensive.
SFHA also took the opportunity to discuss more broadly the role that housing associations can play in improving communities, delivering quality affordable housing, and reducing inequality and poverty.
Speaking about the meeting, David said:
“The discussions were constructive. We found a lot of common ground on the key areas to address and on the leading role that housing associations can play in providing affordable warmth and regenerating communities.”
Pictured: Kevin Stewart MSP with SFHA staff.