UNHEALTHY HOMES: JOHNSTONE SAYS CALL FROM CIVIC ALLIANCE SHOWS NEED FOR ACTION
Alison Johnstone MSP, Health and Wellbeing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today welcomed the call from an alliance of civic organisations to radically improve the energy efficiency of Scotland's housing.
The Existing Homes Alliance says ending the problem of poorly-insulated homes is vital if Scotland wants to end fuel poverty and step up to the challenge of climate change.
Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said:
“This call is very welcome and shows the need for government to go further and faster to tackle the blight of Scotland’s draughty, unhealthy homes. Last year Scottish ministers agreed with me that energy efficient housing should become a national infrastructure priority. During discussions on the 2015-16 budget Scottish Greens pressed for action, resulting in an extra £20million for fuel poverty measures. This was welcome but still way below what is required. 40 per cent of Scottish households are in fuel poverty.
“At the Scottish Greens conference at the weekend we announced our intention to push for 6,500 apprenticeships to support the delivery of this national priority. The Existing Homes Alliance aim that by 2025 all homes are at least an Energy Performance Certificate band ‘C’ is ambitious but necessary if we’re serious about tackling fuel poverty, climate change emissions and preventing ill-health.”