Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
First Report - Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 153
Published 24 January 2024
Recommendations
2
Not Addressed
Carry out review of winter 2022/23 cost-of-living support effectiveness for Scottish rural households.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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, particularly for Scottish rural households, as recommended.
Scotland Office
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9
Not Addressed
Para 61
Agree consistent definition and measurement of food insecurity, addressing high prices in rural Scotland.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Scotland Office
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10
Not Addressed
Collaborate to investigate impact of high food prices and food insecurity in remote rural Scotland.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 to collate data as recommended.
Scotland Office
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12
Deferred
Improve rural Scotland transport provision, integrate services, and ensure timely, cost-effective vessel delivery.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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.
Scotland Office
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Conclusions (8)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 14
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.
Government Response 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.
3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 33
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 …
Government Response 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.
4
Conclusion
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 …
Government Response 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 homes in Scotland.
5
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 37
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 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.
6
Conclusion
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 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.
7
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 59
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 …
Government Response 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.
8
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 60
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 …
Government Response 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.
11
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 81
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 …
Government Response 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 ferry projects (ZEVI, LUF).