This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Review of actions to tackle fuel poverty
29/11/2006
The Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement - Four Year Review 2006 was published today, updating the commitment by the Executive to work with partners to eradicate fuel poverty within 15 years.
Communications Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"We know that fuel poverty has a harsh impact on the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Scotland and we are determined to continue to work to eradicate it as far as reasonably practicable by 2016.
"Today's review of the Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement shows that we are already making good progress. In particular, our programmes to tackle fuel poverty are helping many people live in warmer, drier homes that are easier and more efficient to heat.
"To date, we have invested nearly £300 million providing free central heating to more than 74,000 homes under our Central Heating Programme and we have improved more than 230,000 homes under the Warm Deal.
"These programmes continue to deliver and from January we will extend the Warm Deal to include families with a disabled child. In addition, partial or inefficient systems will be upgraded for pensioners under 80 who receive the guarantee element of pension credit.
"However, we recognise that there is more to be done and we continue to face real challenges such as high fuel prices.
"We are committed to our objective and will continue to work with our partners, including those on the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum, to build on what we have already achieved."
Today's report fulfils a requirement of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 which required Ministers to review the Statement every four years.
The Scottish Fuel Poverty Statement was published on August 22, 2002 under paragraph 88 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001.