4 FORWARD LOOK
4.1 Implementation of Energy Assistance Package
4.1.1 Going forward Ministers have charged the Scottish Fuel Poverty Forum with the task of reviewing the implementation of this package. They have made clear that the package, particularly the list of measures available at stage 4, may be altered in light of feedback from stakeholders and practitioners in the field. COSLA and the HECA officers' network are both represented on the Forum and their feedback on the package is valued by Ministers.
4.2 Home Insulation Scheme
4.2.2 The area based Home Insulation Scheme ( HIS) was announced on 4 February and is expected to launch in autumn 2009 as the first phase of longer term investment. The Scottish Government will provide £15 million funding in the first year with up to £15 million to be raised from other sources. The scheme aims to provide advice and assistance to around 90,000 households, with many of those going on to receive energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation. It also aims to increase the take-up of domestic energy efficiency measures, assist in meeting fuel poverty and climate change objectives, while creating or sustaining up to 900 jobs. The detailed structure of the scheme is currently being considered and developed and will build on and complement existing programmes such as the new Energy Assistance Package.
4.3 Review of Fuel Poverty Statement
4.3.1 Whilst progress on eradicating fuel poverty will generally be reported by existing mechanisms associated with the SOA and local housing strategy, under the 2001 Housing (Scotland) Act there is a statutory duty for Scottish Ministers to publish the next review of the Fuel Poverty Statement in 2010 35 Assistance from Councils is needed to ensure this is as accurate and up-to date as possible and that it properly reflects the range and quality of work achieved by Councils.
4.3.2 To meet this statutory requirement Councils will be asked to provide information on the following aspects of their fuel poverty work:
- assess progress they have made towards meeting the 2016 target
- set out key actions they have taken to address fuel poverty and
- set out future plans to address fuel poverty
(A separate letter will issue with target dates and other administrative details about this.)
4.3.3 In addition local councils will be invited to provide descriptions of some areas of good practice that they have been involved in.
4.3.4 In particular we would value contributions which highlight good practice in the following areas:
- Developing Knowledge and Monitoring Change
How councils are building their knowledge base of fuel poverty at a local level - Awareness Raising
Any good examples of awareness raising activity at a local level - Housing Improvement Measures
How councils are progressing towards meeting SHQS and any good examples of work to help reduce fuel poverty in the private sector/ in mixed tenures - Energy Efficiency Measures
Any good practice in installing renewable technologies and examples of innovative approaches to dealing with fuel poverty. - Partnership Working and Local Coordination
How councils are mainstreaming fuel poverty work as part of the LHS process. Any examples of developing partnerships with CERT providers and others to deliver energy efficiency measures and advice. - Addressing Consumer Information Requirements and Transparency Examples of any fuel poverty information and advice services provided at a local level
4.3.5 These contributions will ensure the review can fully reflect the range and quality of work that has been undertaken.