Lib Dems call for clarity on central heating entitlement

3.07.52pm GMT Mon 24th Nov 2008

Commenting after a Ministerial Statement in Scottish Parliament on Fuel Poverty, Liberal Democrat Energy spokesperson Liam McArthur said:

"Liberal Democrats led the debate in March calling for the Fuel Poverty Forum to be re-established. I welcome confirmation that the SNP Government will implement its key recommendation and keep the forum in place.

"The inclusion of renewables technologies are part of the strategy to tackle fuel poverty is also good news. It will be of particular benefit in rural areas, much of which is off the gas grid.

"The Government's cuts to the eligibility criteria for the Central Heating Programme, however, announced in May and then retracted in October have created confusion. This is especially true amongst pensioners, many of whom may have been put off applying.

"The Government must make sure that the new plans are sufficiently well published so that people know what they are entitled to."