Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
04/05/2021

Call For Winter Fuel Payments To Be More Closely Targeted

Construction News Image
Energy Action Scotland is calling for winter fuel and cold weather payments to be more closely targeted at people who need it most.

The energy efficiency charity is calling for a post May administration to make changes to the way fuel payments are made to help lift thousands of households out of fuel poverty.

Energy Action Scotland, chief executive, Frazer Scott said: "The devolution of Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments offer significant opportunities for these benefits to be focused towards those on low incomes, living in homes with high heat demand.

"Overnight a new administration could lift thousands out of fuel poverty by targeting benefits and giving more support to those who need it most.

"We are also urging a rethink of how Cold Weather Payments are made to reduce the number of consecutive days it needs to be below a 0 degrees and to consider increasing the temperature at which this payment is triggered."

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

Fuel costs remain a critical issue in Scotland with 25% of all households living in fuel poverty as defined by the Scottish Government as any household spending more than 10% of their income on energy.

Changes to fuel benefit payments was just one of a number of key areas that Energy Action Scotland wanted a new incoming government to address.

Frazer said that the gradual move away from fossil fuels to a carbon neutral society was a huge opportunity to get rid of fuel poverty altogether.

He continued: "As we move from primarily gas to electric heating we need to make sure that this is done with everyone in mind and that those currently living on the margins are brought along.

"But it's not just about energy consumption we are looking at a massive retrofit of homes to ensure that they meet much tighter environmental standards.

"Although a huge challenge, it is also a huge opportunity to banish fuel poverty once and for all.

"We want to focus minds across the political spectrum on how best to tackle this issue. The Scottish Parliament has the levers to make a real difference to fuel poor households over the course of the next parliamentary session."

The charity also called for a fast track of new regulations for minimum standards of energy efficiency in the private rented sector.

Latest Construction News

03/05/2024

The Wheatley Group has been given planning permission from Glasgow City Council to convert the 1930s B-listed Bellgrove Hotel into 14 modern, energy-efficient and affordable flats – eight of which will be wheelchair accessible. Permission has also been granted for a further 56 flats to be built on ...
03/05/2024

Renewable energy leader Drax has announced that it will invest £80 million in a major refurbishment of its iconic 'Hollow Mountain' Cruachan pumped storage hydro power station in Scotland. Global hydropower technology supplier ANDRITZ has been appointed as the main contractor for the Cruachan ...
03/05/2024

Clark Contracts has welcomed the news that the former Dalmarnock Purifier Studios, now branded as EastWorks, has been awarded the Refurbished/Recycled workplace award at the prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards 2024. The 120-year-old former purifier shed, owned by Clyde Gateway, ...
03/05/2024

Stirling Council has launched a public consultation to shape future developments at the Viewforth and Burghmuir Road areas. The new draft framework and planning brief for Viewforth and Burghmuir covers a key area of the city centre that includes the Viewforth site, existing council buildings, ...
03/05/2024

Morrison Community Care (CCG) Holdco has secured planning permission or its latest project in South Queensferry, marking its third consecutive success. Forming part of a wider 44-hectare masterplan that will include 980 new homes, a primary school and commercial premises on Builyon Road, south of ...
03/05/2024

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have carried out a review of the last two years of the Community Regeneration Funding Programme, ahead of agreeing changes to how the 2024/25 programme will be delivered. Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Following a successful two ...
03/05/2024

Perth and Kinross Council and partners are set to progress community-led projects aimed at revitalising homes and improving rural transport links, following a winning bid for Innovate UK Pathfinder Places funding. Funding of £150,000 has been secured following a successful Phase 1 Pathfinder ...
03/05/2024

SGN engineers working on the H100 Fife project have helped support the Methilhill Community Children's Initiative (MCCI) by building an eco-toilet in the charity's learning garden. MCCI provides a safe and engaging space for local children to participate in various outdoor activities, including ...
03/05/2024

SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation, has published a draft of its 2024 election manifesto detailing six strategic policy proposals designed to support its members and the broader plumbing and heating profession. Once finalised, the manifesto will be central to ...
03/05/2024

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published their 2024-25 Annual Operating Plan, detailing how they will protect and improve Scotland's environment over the next 12 months. The publication follows the launch of a new Corporate Plan at the end of March, which set out the ...
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood LtdBurnside Plant Hire LtdKattrak International Hidromek SalesScotdeck LtdThe Big Block Co LtdSafe Access (Highland) Ltd.Bairds Windows LtdThe Human Touch Scaffolding Co LtdBabbity Environmental
Terms and Conditions
2024/05/04 18:13:06