Changeworks welcomes the update from the Acting Minister for Climate Action, Dr Alasdair Allan, on the Heat in Buildings Bill.
The bill is an opportunity to alleviate Scotland’s ongoing fuel poverty crisis, and to provide further clarity for partners to progress towards 2045.
We support ensuring that the bill lifts households out of fuel poverty. Dr Allan’s first periodic report on tackling fuel poverty in Scotland highlights the ongoing challenge of this due to increased energy costs.
Lack of regulation has resulted in around 35% of households living in fuel poverty, driven by inefficient homes and a reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets. The bill is a unique opportunity to improve the quality of homes at scale, whilst significantly reducing carbon emissions in the process.
Buildings in Scotland account for 20% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions (13% of which comes from homes), so it’s impossible to reach our net zero target without decarbonising them.
Changeworks welcomes that the bill remains on track for 2045, and the commitment to pass the bill within this parliamentary session. However, the revision of the bill to focus on targets risks a lack of clarity on ensuring the right mechanisms are in place to support households to decarbonise.
Josiah Lockhart, Changeworks’ Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased that the bill remains on track, to be passed in this parliament, providing assurance to the supply chain.
“Despite this, more detail is needed on how households will be supported, and what they need to do to help reach the Government’s targets. Therefore, there remains a risk that what was outlined today won’t meet the net zero 2045 target.”
Changeworks looks forward to working with the Scottish Government and our other partners on the Heat in Buildings Bill. Further detail and certainty on how support will be funded, what targets will be set and how this will be delivered at pace is critical.