Cold water thrown on Scotland’s clean heat bill
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will deliver the Heat in Buildings Bill before the end of this Parliament but has announced a watering down of the requirements on homeowners to switch to clean heat and boost energy efficiency in support of the country’s crucial climate target.
Oxfam Scotland says decarbonising buildings is essential to Scotland’s 2045 climate target and that to enable the urgent shift needed, Scottish Ministers must now commit to a grants-based system that fully protects those on the lowest incomes, funded by fair taxes.
Responding to the announcement, Lewis Ryder-Jones, Oxfam Scotland’s Advocacy Adviser, said: “The idea that warmer, greener homes are unaffordable for households is a hollow excuse. With the right support, this transition can be made fair and affordable for everyone. Instead of setting yet more distant targets, the Scottish Government must urgently deliver a clear roadmap, backed by a comprehensive system of grants funded through fair taxes. This must ensure upfront costs aren’t a barrier and fully fund upgrades for those on low incomes.
“Weakening Scotland’s clean heat plans risks leaving people to struggle with sky-high bills and cold, draughty homes while pouring cold water on the transition to a greener Scotland that works for everyone."
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For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Media and Communications Adviser, Oxfam Scotland: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450
Notes to Editors
- Read No Home Left Behind: Funding a Just Transition to Clean Heat in Scotland (2024). Produced by IPPR Scotland, in partnership with Oxfam Scotland and the Scottish Federation for Housing Associations, the report proposes a fair and sustainable funding option by creating a new system of grants that reduces existing inequalities.
- Read Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland – 2023 Report to Parliament, Climate Change Committee.
