The SNP Government has launched a new Energy Assistance Package to tackle fuel poverty in Scotland.

Launched this morning by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon the £60 million package will offer central heating and insulation, benefits checks to ensure householders have claimed all the support they are entitled to and tariff checks to ensure householders are paying the correct rate for their energy.

The Energy Assistance Package puts Scotland at the forefront of efforts to reduce fuel poverty. 

"There is no doubt that previous fuel poverty schemes did not properly target fuel poverty.

"The new Energy Assistance Package, the key recommendation of the expert Fuel Poverty Forum, rights those wrongs and has attracted unanimous support from consumer, pensioner and child poverty groups.

"It leads the way in the UK and will reach out to assist more people in Scotland than ever before. Not just the elderly, but also those receiving certain benefits including households with children under five or a disabled child under the age of 16.

"And it is underpinned by record funding of over 60 million pounds a year, which is 30 per cent more than the original fuel poverty budget.

"This Government also expects the energy companies, through their carbon reductions obligations, to unlock millions more to help Scotland's vulnerable low income families and pensioners."

SNP MSP John Wilson welcomed the new scheme and called on Energy Companies to cut prices;

“Scotland is leading the way in tackling fuel poverty.

“The new Energy Assistance Package delivers the right kind of support to those who need it and will make sure those facing fuel poverty have access to the benefits, tariffs and help with the installation of central heating or insulation where it is needed.

“Energy company’s contributions to tackling fuel poverty are welcome but they could go further. Energy prices increased by 40% in the last year but are only falling by 4%.

“Similarly the UK Government must adopt OFGEM’s recommendation that energy companies should stop penalising customers based on their method of payment.”

“Previous schemes missed many of those who struggled to pay their bills and left some, particularly those with young children, in fuel poverty.

“This is real help for people in communities across Scotland.  Anyone who is struggling to pay their bills, or unable to heat their house should speak to Energy Savings Scotland, to Citizen’s Advice or to their energy company for help and support.”