FUEL POVERTY AWARENESS DAY 2019

That this house notes that Fuel Poverty Awareness Day is on 15 February and commends the work of the National Energy Action charity and Energy Action Scotland in working to end fuel poverty and promote Fuel Poverty Awareness Day; further notes that there is strong cross-party recognition on the need to adequately assist households in fuel poverty, statutory fuel poverty targets and minimum legal standards to improve conditions in the private rented sector; notes, with regret, that 15,000 people across the UK died as a result of cold homes last winter and millions more still live in fuel poverty; notes the findings of the Government’s Committee on Fuel Poverty that investment in housing stock could create sustainable jobs in every region, reduce social exclusion, achieve a successful industrial strategy, deliver major carbon emissions reductions, improve air quality, reduce pressures and health and social care costs, as well as providing real benefits to households who are badly struggling financially; and notes that now is a critical time to act with the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review and the UK Government revising the Fuel Poverty Strategy which will both take place this year.