Recommendations & Conclusions
12 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Accepted
The term “rural communities” encompasses a broad gradation of populations across Scotland and this results in a varied experience for people living in rural areas. Successful cost of living interventions need to account for and be tailored towards that variable experience.
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The term “rural communities” encompasses a broad gradation of populations across Scotland and this results in a varied experience for people living in rural areas. Successful cost of living interventions need to account for and be tailored towards that variable experience.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the conclusion, recognising the varied experiences of rural communities and the importance of tailored interventions. It highlights its existing engagement with rural groups and cites the £2 bus fare policy as an example of a successful intervention that benefits rural areas.
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Scotland Office
2
Recommendation
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Not Addressed
Whilst accepting the UK Government were keen to get support out to assist people as quickly as possible, the UK Government should carry out a review to assess the effectiveness and value for money of cost-of-living support provided by the UK Government during winter 2022/23. This review should evaluate: a) …
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Whilst accepting the UK Government were keen to get support out to assist people as quickly as possible, the UK Government should carry out a review to assess the effectiveness and value for money of cost-of-living support provided by the UK Government during winter 2022/23. This review should evaluate: a) How effectively this support met the needs of Scottish rural households; b) How the UK Government could have better targeted the support; and c) Whether all levels of Government have sufficient data and administrative systems to deliver more effective, targeted cost of living support in the future, if required The UK Government should write to us with the findings of this review once completed. (Paragraph 15) Rising costs of energy
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Government response AI summary
The government details the substantial cost-of-living support package provided and its delivery, including specific scheme data and the overall block grant to Scotland. However, it does not commit to carrying out a formal review to assess the effectiveness and value for money of the support, …
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Scotland Office
3
Conclusion
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Acknowledged
The unprecedented package of financial support delivered to households across Great Britain by the UK Government last winter was welcome and helped to mitigate the full impact of the dramatic energy price increases experienced during the period. However, the Committee heard that the blanket level of energy support provided was …
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The unprecedented package of financial support delivered to households across Great Britain by the UK Government last winter was welcome and helped to mitigate the full impact of the dramatic energy price increases experienced during the period. However, the Committee heard that the blanket level of energy support provided was not sufficiently “rural-proofed”–it did not account for additional costs required for many households in rural Scotland. Energy schemes prioritised administrative ease to accelerate funds getting to people over specific targeting. Whilst understandable in the context of the immediate crisis, a system of support more tailored towards the acute pressures faced by rural communities would have been more effective. In addition, many off-grid users reported unacceptably long waits to receive payments. Support measures need to ensure parity between households connected to the grid and those reliant on alternative fuels.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the Committee's observations regarding the previous winter's energy support not being sufficiently 'rural-proofed'. It explains that schemes prioritised speed over tailoring and highlights existing support for off-grid households through the Alternative Fuel Payment, alongside other cost-of-living measures.
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Scotland Office
4
Conclusion
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Accepted
One way to help reduce energy costs in the long-term is to improve the energy efficiency of homes. The challenge of retrofitting and insulating homes, in terms of cost, time and practicality, are particularly acute for rural areas. Rural Scottish households are therefore facing more barriers to accessing home energy …
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One way to help reduce energy costs in the long-term is to improve the energy efficiency of homes. The challenge of retrofitting and insulating homes, in terms of cost, time and practicality, are particularly acute for rural areas. Rural Scottish households are therefore facing more barriers to accessing home energy efficiency schemes, despite being most in-need of them. Addressing this challenge will be key to reducing the rural premium for these Scottish consumers. (Paragraph 36) 28 Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the challenges of improving energy efficiency in rural Scottish homes, noting that housing policy is devolved to the Scottish Government. However, it highlights that its UK-wide Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme already includes specific uplifts and provisions for rural, low-income, off-gas grid …
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Scotland Office
5
Conclusion
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Deferred
The Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency (Area-Based) Scheme uses ring-fenced funds which require approval, but which we heard was causing concern. Witnesses were unable to provide reasons for the Scottish Government’s underspend of this scheme.
Government response AI summary
The response focuses on recommendations relating to the UK Government and does not address recommendations 5 and 6, which remain a matter for the Scottish Government.
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Scotland Office
6
Conclusion
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Acknowledged
We hope to hear from the Scottish Government on how they will respond and address these concerns. (Paragraph 38) Food insecurity and food poverty
Government response AI summary
The UK Government notes the recommendation and recognises the importance of rural communities, but does not commit to any specific actions or provide a timeline for addressing food insecurity and food poverty concerns itself.
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Scotland Office
7
Conclusion
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Acknowledged
We are deeply concerned by the real hardship being experienced across many rural communities in Scotland, such as parents having to skip meals in order feed their children. Food banks provide a vital service in remote rural Scotland. There has been a significant increase in demand for their services with …
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We are deeply concerned by the real hardship being experienced across many rural communities in Scotland, such as parents having to skip meals in order feed their children. Food banks provide a vital service in remote rural Scotland. There has been a significant increase in demand for their services with a record number of food parcels delivered over the past year.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the committee's concern and recognises the importance of rural communities, but provides no specific actions to address the hardship or increased demand for food banks.
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Scotland Office
8
Conclusion
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Accepted
Although there is no agreed definition of food insecurity, it is clear that the difficulties people experience in providing sufficient food for their families are the result of a range of issues affecting household budgets—there is no lack of available food, but there is often insufficient income to pay for …
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Although there is no agreed definition of food insecurity, it is clear that the difficulties people experience in providing sufficient food for their families are the result of a range of issues affecting household budgets—there is no lack of available food, but there is often insufficient income to pay for it. This hardship has been exacerbated by covid-19 and other global events such as the war in Ukraine.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the conclusion by describing its existing and upcoming welfare spending increases, tax cuts, and cost-of-living payments designed to support household incomes. It also outlines its internationally recognised definition of food security.
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Scotland Office
9
Recommendation
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Not Addressed
By Spring 2024, the UK and Scottish Governments should agree a consistent means of defining food insecurity and food poverty and show how it plans to measure this in the context of remote rural communities in Scotland. In its response to this report, both Governments should also set out what …
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By Spring 2024, the UK and Scottish Governments should agree a consistent means of defining food insecurity and food poverty and show how it plans to measure this in the context of remote rural communities in Scotland. In its response to this report, both Governments should also set out what it is doing to address high food prices affecting remote rural communities in Scotland specifically.
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Government response AI summary
The government details its existing welfare support and its current internationally recognised definition of food security. However, it does not commit to agreeing a consistent definition with the Scottish Government or setting out specific actions for high food prices in remote rural communities.
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Scotland Office
10
Recommendation
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Not Addressed
The UK Government should work with the Scottish Government and local authorities jointly to investigate further the impact of high food prices as well as the scale and nature of food insecurity and food poverty on communities in remote rural Scotland. They should collate this data to identify parts of …
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The UK Government should work with the Scottish Government and local authorities jointly to investigate further the impact of high food prices as well as the scale and nature of food insecurity and food poverty on communities in remote rural Scotland. They should collate this data to identify parts of society worst affected and what must be done to ensure nobody goes without essential food . (Paragraph 62) Transport
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines its existing welfare support and its definition of food security, but it does not commit to working jointly with the Scottish Government and local authorities to investigate the impact of high food prices and food insecurity specifically in remote rural Scotland, or …
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Scotland Office
11
Conclusion
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Deferred
Ferries are existentially important to island communities, but also create knock-on costs for goods and services. The lack of regular, reliable, affordable and integrated transport provision–including adequate and reliable bus services - is one of the main barriers to remote rural communities mitigating the impact of the current cost of …
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Ferries are existentially important to island communities, but also create knock-on costs for goods and services. The lack of regular, reliable, affordable and integrated transport provision–including adequate and reliable bus services - is one of the main barriers to remote rural communities mitigating the impact of the current cost of living crisis. Service disruption further hinders connectivity, preventing the movement of people and goods, therefore affecting communities’ cost of living in multiple ways. Active travel options provide limited opportunities to ease transport challenges in remote rural locations.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the conclusion, stating that managing and funding transport, including ferries and bus services, are devolved matters for the Scottish Government. It highlights the block grant funding provided to Scotland and mentions existing UK-wide initiatives like the Islands Forum and specific funding for …
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Scotland Office
12
Recommendation
First Report - Cost of living: impact o…
Deferred
Given the continued problems the Scottish Government have faced progressing improvements to vital roads and ferry infrastructure, the Scottish Government should work together with the UK Government and local authorities to improve the provision of transport across rural Scotland. The Scottish Government should look to coordinate the operators of these …
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Given the continued problems the Scottish Government have faced progressing improvements to vital roads and ferry infrastructure, the Scottish Government should work together with the UK Government and local authorities to improve the provision of transport across rural Scotland. The Scottish Government should look to coordinate the operators of these services more rigorously to ensure that timetables Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland 29 are more integrated and meet the needs of people in these communities. Transport investment turbocharges the UK’s net zero ambitions and economic growth, and we welcome the action taken by both Governments to tackle this. The Committee shares the anger and frustration of affected communities by the ongoing failure of the Scottish Government to deliver two lifeline ferries which are so far six years late and £250 million over budget. Both Governments should work together to ensure mistakes are not repeated and that timely and cost-effective delivery of vessels happens in the future. (Paragraph 82) 30 Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the recommendation but states that transport policy is a devolved matter for the Scottish Government, which receives record funding through the block grant. It will continue to monitor the issue through the Islands Forum and encourage the Scottish Government.
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Scotland Office