Highland MSP welcomes Fuel Poverty Meeting

09 April 2009

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands Labour regional MSP has welcomed a meeting to be held in Perth to discuss fuel poverty, affecting housing associations tenants.

Mrs Grant said, "I was contacted some time ago by Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association, who were concerned regarding the impact of high electricity prices, which were driving their tenants into fuel poverty.

"The association has spent a great deal of time upgrading their properties to heat pumps, both ground and air source, to mitigate against high fuel prices.

"Unfortunately, many of their properties are still heated by total control electric systems, this being the only system available at the time of building.

"A programme of work to change the system from total control is now underway as it does not meet Scottish Housing Quality Standards.

"The association has tenants who are facing high electricity costs and they have spent a great deal of time advising tenants who are eligible about social tariffs."

Mrs Grant added, "I wrote to the Chief Executive of Scottish and Southern Energy seeking a meeting with him, which would also be attended by representatives from Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association and other housing providers.

"I am pleased that the Chief Executive has agreed and the meeting is now being scheduled.

"I am aware that other tenants in social housing face similar problems.

"Fuel poverty is a major worry for certain housing association tenants and I would hope some progress will be made at the meeting to address the present situation."