WEIR SUPPORTS EXTENSION OF FUEL HELP AND RURAL ENERGY INITIATIVE

Angus MP Mike Weir has attended the launch of Energy Action Scotland’s new proposals for tackling Fuel Poverty in Scotland. The organisation has launched “Best Practise in Fuel Poverty Schemes” at the House of Commons.

The organisation makes several recommendations to tackle fuel poverty including regional weighting of winter fuel payments and the extension of the scheme to other vulnerable groups.

It also proposes for supporting farmers in growing crops for biomass, something which Mr Weir had proposed in his private members bill on Renewable Heat in the last parliament.

Commenting on the launch Mr Weir said

“Areas in the north, like Angus, clearly suffer worse winter weather and the proposal for a regional weighting of winter fuel allowance is sensible. I have also long supported the idea of extending the allowance to other vulnerable groups, particularly the disabled. I hope the government will take these on board.”

“The call for support for farmers to produce biomass crops is also very welcome. This is a cause I have long championed and as well as producing more energy from renewable sources it would provide a welcome boost for local farmers.”

“It would be particularly fitting that the rural economy benefit from such measures since there is a great deal of fuel poverty in rural areas. Biomass energy could play  a major part in tackling that poverty and providing an alternative to expensive oil heating systems.”