Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee
Cross-cutting Committee Work Fuel Poverty – 18 November 2021
Letter from the Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee – 18 November 2021
Dear Ariane,
Cross-cutting committee work – fuel poverty
The Social Justice and Social Security Committee will be holding an evidence session on the Scottish Government’s proposed fuel poverty strategy at its meeting on Thursday 25 November.The Committee would like to welcome any members of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee to participate in this meeting given its potential relevance to your remit and your current work programme.
This is an approach that worked well for our recent evidence session on homelessness which Elena Whitham MSP attended from your Committee.
The proposed fuel poverty strategy was laid on 9 November and the Scottish Parliament has 40 days to consider it before the Scottish Government can publish a finalised strategy.
The focus for the evidence session will be considering the impact of an increase in energy prices on individuals and what level of support will assist them best. The Committee will also be considering these issues specifically within the context of the impact on disabled people and those in rural/island communities.
We will also be inviting members of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee to attend given fuel poverty falls under their remit.
If any members of your Committee do wish to attend, I ask that they notify the Committee Clerks in advance.