Fuel poverty summit attended by Ross-shire MSPs throws spotlight on energy price rise issues for Highlands
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ROSS-SHIRE MSPs have attended a fuel poverty summit in the wake of alarming energy price hikes.
Maree Todd, who represents Caithness, Sutherland & Ross, and Dingwall-based Kate Forbes, took part in the Sutherland’s Fuel Poverty Summit which was arranged by Sutherland Community Partnership.
The summit was hosted by Sutherland Community Partnership.
It was staged online as plans to host it in Lairg were affected by Covid-19.
The event fell on Challenge Poverty Week, and saw more than 70 attend.
Maree Todd MSP said: “Given the recent surge in energy prices throughout the UK and the subsequent impact of this on the most vulnerable in our society, this issue is very topical right now.
“As the MSP for the most northern and likely, coldest constituency in mainland Scotland, I know the rural areas I represent will be feeling the impact.
Representatives were there from across the board to discuss the issue of fuel poverty.
Government figures show that 19 per-cent of those in remote and rural areas are living in extreme fuel poverty, compared to 11 per-cent in urban areas.
Todd added: “It is the responsibility of all Governments—including the Scottish Government—to support people through the tough winter months ahead. Without government intervention, many families will be forced to decide between eating or heating their homes this winter.
“Where issues are reserved to the UK Government, as many of the energy cost issues are, it is vital that the UK Government do everything that it can to help.
“However, instead of challenging poverty last week, the UK Government chose to enable it by making the biggest overnight cut to welfare in 70 years, slashing Universal Credit by £20 a week.
“This cruel and frankly, reckless, decision is devastating to the nearly 17,000 households in the Highlands who are in receipt of the benefit.”
