Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 33
Blanket energy support failed to 'rural-proof' for Scottish households, disadvantaging off-grid users.
Conclusion
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.
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
33
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
40. The UK Government reacted quickly to protect households from the spike in energy prices caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine last winter, with the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG), Energy Bill Support Schemes (EBSS), and the Alternative Fuel schemes. This required the UK Government to devise, develop, and deliver a range of complex and novel schemes at significant pace to ensure that households could receive this vital support as soon as possible.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗