Environment Minister Aileen McLeod has blasted the UK Government over its energy policies.

Dr McLeod claimed UK policy on energy and energy efficiency has prevented investment and reduced the level of funding available in Scotland.

So far, funding for the HEEPS: Cashback scheme has ceased due to the UK Government's decision to close the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund early.

The Minister said despite challenges from the UK Government, the Scottish Government has implemented a further £13.3 million increase across other areas, including investment in energy efficiency.

"Over the last year we have repeatedly lobbied the UK Government, including direct representations to the Prime Minister, to reverse their changes to renewable energy policies," she said.

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"Regrettably they have not done so and we have had to revise our budgets relating to renewable energy. This has been caused by the reduction in investors for projects because of the early closure of the subsidy regime and other policy and regulatory changes.

"Despite this we remain absolutely committed to continuing action to tackle climate change, delivering our ambitious targets on emissions reductions and protecting Scotland’s environment, with a £13.3 million overall increase in budgets across other areas."

Dr McLeod added investor confidence in renewable energy had been affected due to policy changes by the UK Government, revealing the country had fallen from the top 10 of EY's Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index.

"This comes as at a time when the Secretary of State herself has admitted the UK Government does not have a credible plan to meet its legally binding target to deliver 15 per cent of the UK's final energy consumption from renewables by 2020," she said.

"This is an extremely disappointing situation and I again urge the UK Government to re-think their policies, particularly in light of the deal for worldwide action agreed recently in Paris."

The Minister was making her comments as she published a summary of funding for climate change mitigation measures in the Draft Budget 2016/17.

To view the publication, visit here.

(LM)